Holder for electronic device with support

ABSTRACT

Cases or holders for cell phones, personal digital assistants, portable video/music players, electronic books, electronic tablets and other handheld and/or free-standing display devices, as well as the devices themselves are disclosed. In different embodiments, a versatile protective holder that can allow placement on any surface for hands-free viewing, with full adjustment of viewing angle in landscape and/or portrait orientations; directional sound reflecting and baffling; easier cleaning and viewing of the device&#39;s screen; easier grasping by the user; wearing of the device using a belt clip or arm or waist band; as well as attachment to an automobile, bicycle, or other vehicle are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/345,345, filed Jan. 6, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of PCTPatent Application No. PCT/US11/31918, filed Apr. 11, 2011, entitled“Holder for Electronic Device with Support,” which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.12/758,377, filed Apr. 12, 2010, entitled “Holder for Electronic Devicewith Support,” (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,382,059 issued on Feb. 26, 2013),which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 12/556,182, filed Sep. 9, 2009, entitled “Holderfor Electronic Device with Support,” which claims priority to and thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/191,454, filedSep. 9, 2008, entitled “Versatile Hard-Shell Holder for Mobile Phones,PDAs and Portable Music/Video Players.” The entire disclosures of all ofthe above-identified patent applications are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cases or holders for cell phones,personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable video/music players,electronic books, electronic tablets and other handheld and/orfree-standing display devices, as well as the devices themselves. Thepresent invention also relates to a versatile protective holder that canallow placement on any surface for hands-free viewing, with fulladjustment of viewing angle in landscape and/or portrait orientations;directional sound reflecting and baffling; easier cleaning and viewingof the device's screen; easier grasping by the user; wearing of thedevice using a belt clip or arm or waist band; as well as attachment toan automobile, bicycle, or other vehicle.

In this new era of digital convergence, portable devices areincreasingly being used for multiple tasks ranging from audio and videotelephony to navigation to computing to electronic books to video andaudio entertainment. For example, Apple's iPhone® mobile digital deviceis a fully functional mobile phone, GPS navigation device, internet,document and image browser, audio and video library, electronic bookreader and streaming video terminal Apple also has a variety of iPod®portable video/music players and has recently introduced the new iPodTouch® mobile digital device which is the first-ever Wi-Fi iPod® thatcan download and play video in realtime on a 3.5-inch widescreendisplay, and the new Apple iPad® mobile digital device, which is a fullsize mobile computing and entertainment tablet with a 9.7 inchmulti-touch screen. While some users prefer to carry such handhelddevices in a shirt pocket, handbag or pants pocket, others prefer toclip the device to their belt. Regardless, there is often a desire tostand the device at an incline when watching video programming, readinga book, or viewing still images. Soon, these same devices will also becapable of two-way video conferencing. In order to serve all viewing andoperating preferences and as well to protect their device, userssometimes purchase protective holders with detachable belt clips and/orviewing stands.

There are a variety of conventional hard-shell and soft-shell holdersavailable for mobile phones, PDAs, e-readers and portable video/musicplayers, but these have rather limited functionality. Although theygenerally succeed in protecting the mobilephone/PDA/tablet/e-reader/portable video/music player, they can detractfrom its portability, usability and/or aesthetic appearance, and fallshort of the needs of the user in many other ways. The frameworkemployed to restrain the PDA/cell phone/portable video/music player canmake them poor choices for mobile usage, too big for storage on a personand partially block access to keys or screens. Moreover, the standmechanisms currently in use often compel either landscape or portraitviewing. This limits versatility and usability. None of these protectivecases have a built-in retractable stand that enables multi-angle viewingin more than one orientation.

For example, the iPhone®, iPad® and iPod Touch® mobile digital devicesare smart terminals that automatically adjust their displays of stillimages to landscape or portrait viewing mode depending on theorientation of the device. On the other hand, when video is played back,these devices automatically rotate the display to landscape. WhileBelkin™ and other manufacturers produce a case for the iPhone® with atransformable belt clip or kickstand for video viewing, the beltclip/kickstand is bulky and prevents insertion into one's pocket.Moreover, the incline of the device cannot be adjusted. This problembecomes acute in certain situation such as on an airplane whereplacement of the device is limited to a tray over which the user ishunched, and the device is best viewed at a relatively flat incline toproperly see the LCD screen. In addition, the case is a clamshell designthat clamps over the iPhone® preventing it from being readily removedfrom the case.

It would be greatly advantageous to provide a more functional holder orsupport mechanism for any of the iPhone®, iPad®, iPod® mobile digitaldevice lines, and other PDAs, mobile phones, electronic tabletcomputers, electronic books and portable video/music players. Such aholder could include one or more of the features of 1) resilient sidegrippers that clamp around the device to protect it without obscuringthe display or controls; 2) all-around symmetric features that allow thedevice to be used in multiple orientations without compromisingusability; 3) an adjustable kickstand or support that allows adjustmentof the viewing angle within a broad range and/or landscape or portraitviewing; 4) an extremely low profile design to facilitate pocketinsertion; 5) a detachable belt clip or clip for an arm band for wearingthe device by a user; 6) directional sound deflector; 7) minimizedscreen blockage to enable easy one handed cleaning; 8) an automotive,bicycle or other vehicle attachment; 9) easy to hold finger depressions;10) slim, low-profile design that adds minimal additional bulk; 11)headphone cord management; 12) arm strap attachment; and 13) aneye-catching aesthetic.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a more versatileprotective case or holder especially suited for Apples' iPhone®, iPad®or iPod Touch® mobile digital devices, or any other portable device witha frontal LCD screen, organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) screen,touch-viewing screen, or any other type of viewing screen. In oneembodiment, the case allows to provide a novel adjustable kickstand orsupport that allows adjustment of the viewing angle within a broadrange, in either or both landscape or portrait viewing, and yet foldsflush to the holder without added thickness. In one embodiment, thesupport doubles as a shoulder support when hands-free speaking on a cellphone.

It is another object to provide a protective holder as described abovethat employs resilient protective side grippers that clamp around thedevice without obscuring the display or controls at all, and also makingit easier for the user to clean the display surface and other useableareas by wiping it against a shirt using only one hand.

It is another object to provide a protective holder as described abovewith novel multi-position directional sound reflector and noise baffleto improve speaker and microphone audio performance of the devicecontained in the protective holder.

It is another object to provide novel finger tip shaped depressions toenable easier grasping by the user.

It is another object to provide a connection on the holder that enablescoupling to a belt clip for wearing on the belt or waist band.

It is another object to provide all the foregoing features and yetretain an extremely slim, low profile to facilitate pocket insertion,reduce bulk, and create an eye-catching aesthetic.

It is another object to provide an automotive, bicycle or other vehicleattachment means.

It is another object to provide a headphone cord wrapping and attachmentmechanisms.

It is another object to provide a combination headphone cord wrapping,view stand and arm band attachment mechanism.

It is another object to provide a mechanism for aiming an electronicdevice at a user's face to enable that device's webcam to capture theuser's image for video communication.

It is another object to provide a mechanism for screen protection.

In accordance with the foregoing objects, one embodiment of a protectivecase or holder for the iPhone®, iPod Touch®, other iPod® mobile digitaldevices, and other handheld cell phones and portable video/music playershaving a frontal LCD, OLED, touch screen or other display includes aform-fitting backplate with corner frames for cradling the device whileleaving the entire frontal aspect unobstructed. The holder includes aseries of contoured side grippers on each side of the backplate forclamping the device in place without obstructing the LCD screen (oraccess to it for cleaning or otherwise). The holder also includes anovel and multi-position fully-adjustable kickstand or support forupright hands-free viewing of the device at several angles in either orboth landscape or portrait viewing, while also serving as a hands-freeshoulder cradle for speaking into the phone. In one embodiment, theholder includes a detachable belt clip. The holder has an extremeslimline folded profile to facilitate pocket insertion, minimize bulk,and create an eye-catching aesthetic.

In addition, a sound reflector and noise shield/baffle is disclosedwhich improves the audio performance of a device contained in theprotective holder. The noise shield slides outward to create a pocket atthe bottom of phone. The pocket shields the device's microphone fromsurrounding noise, and it channels sound outward from the device'sexternal speaker, bouncing it back towards the face of phone and makingthe external device's speaker or speakers sound louder from specificlocations.

In one embodiment, a holder for a portable device includes a bodyincluding a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each ofthe coupling members extending from the body, the coupling members beingconfigured to couple a portable device to the body; and a supportmovably coupled to the body, the support being movable between aretracted position and at least two extended positions relative to thebody, the at least two extended positions including a first extendedposition and a second extended position, the support being disposedwithin the body in its retracted position, the support extending fromthe body in its extended positions, the support being engageable with asupport surface to support the body at least two desired angles relativeto the support surface.

In one embodiment, the body has an inner surface, an outer surface, andan opening extending from the inner surface to the outer surface, thesupport being disposed in the opening when the support is in itsretracted position. The body has a thickness defined by the distancebetween the inner surface and the outer surface and the support has athickness substantially the same as the thickness of the body when thesupport is in its retracted position.

In one embodiment, the body includes a positioning mechanism, thepositioning mechanism defining a plurality of positions in which thesupport may be retained. In one embodiment, greater than three positionsmay be defined by the positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanismincludes at least one slot and the support includes at least one pin orother similar engagement member, the at least one pin being slidablyengaged with the at least one slot.

In one implementation, the body includes a plurality of corners and eachof the first and second coupling members is located proximate to one ofthe corners. The body includes a third coupling member and a fourthcoupling member, each of the third coupling member and the fourthcoupling member being located proximate to one of the corners of thebody. The body may also include a sound reflector/baffle slidablycoupled thereto, the sound reflector being movable between a retractedposition and a reflecting/baffling position.

In another implementation, a holder for a portable device includes abody including a first coupling member and a second coupling member,each of the coupling members extending from the body, the couplingmembers being configured to couple a portable device to the body; and asupport movably coupled to the body, with a thickness substantially thesame as the thickness of the body, the support being movable between aretracted position and at least two extended positions relative to thebody, the support being disposed within the body in its retractedposition, the support extending from the body in its extended positions,the support being engageable with a support surface to support the bodyin at least two desired angles relative to the support surface.

In one embodiment, the holder for a portable device includes a bodyincluding a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each ofthe coupling members extending from the body, the coupling members beingconfigured to couple a portable device to the body; and a soundreflector coupled thereto, the sound reflector being movable between aretracted position and a reflecting position. In one implementation, thesound reflector is made or coated by a material that is more sonicallyreflective than the material of the body.

In one embodiment, a holder for a portable device includes a frontsurface, a rear surface and a side wall extending between the frontsurface and the rear surface includes a mounting portion configured tobe coupled to the portable device with the front surface of the portabledevice exposed, the mounting portion covering at least part of the rearsurface of the portable device and portions of the side wall of theportable device; and a support portion movably coupled to the mountingportion, the support portion being disposable in a retracted positionand in at least two extended positions relative to the mounting portion,substantially all of the support portion being disposed within the bodywhen the support portion is in its retracted position, and substantiallyall the support portion extending from the body when the support portionis in its extended position.

In one implementation, the support portion is disposed entirely withinthe mounting portion when the support portion is in its retractedposition. The coverage of the side wall by the mounting portion isdiscontinuous. The support portion includes a first component having afirst end and a second end and a second component having a first end anda second end, the first end of the first component is pivotally coupledto the mounting portion, the second end of the first component ispivotally coupled to the second component, and the first end of thefirst component is slidably coupled to the mounting portion.

In one implementation, the first component includes a substantiallyplanar portion configured to engage a support surface. The orientationof each of the first component and the second component varies when thesupport portion moves from its retracted position to its extendedposition. The angle between the first component and the second componentvaries when the support portion moves from its retracted position to itsextended position.

In another embodiment, a holder for a portable device includes a frontsurface, a rear surface, a side wall extending between the front surfaceand the rear surface, and a first coupling member and a second couplingmember, each of the coupling members extending from the base, thecoupling members being configured to extend along the side wall of theportable device, the first coupling member being configured to cover afirst corner of the portable device, the second coupling member beingconfigured to cover a second corner of the portable device, each of thecoupling members having a length such that the front surface of theportable device is not covered by either of the coupling members whenthe holder is coupled to the portable device; and a support movablycoupled to the base, the support being movable between a retractedposition and at least two extended positions relative to the base, thesupport being engageable with a support surface to support the base andthe portable device at desired angles relative to the support surface.

In one implementation, the first corner of the portable device iscovered by the first coupling member and the second corner of theportable device is covered by the second coupling member. The portabledevice includes a third corner and a fourth corner, and the baseincludes a third coupling member that covers the third corner and afourth coupling member that covers the fourth corner, each of the thirdcoupling member and the fourth coupling member has a length such thatthe front surface of the portable device is not covered by either of thethird or fourth coupling members when the holder is coupled to theportable device. The support extends from the base in its extendedposition and is disposed within the base in its retracted position.

In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a holder for an electronicdevice is disclosed. The holder includes a body and a support having afirst support component and a second support component coupled to thefirst support component, the support being movable between a retractedposition and at least two extended positions relative to the body, thesupport being disposed within the body in its retracted position andextending from the body in its extended positions, the first supportcomponent including a first connector and the second support componentincluding a second connector. The method includes the steps of: formingthe body with a first coupling member and a second coupling member, eachof the coupling members extending from the body and collectively beingconfigured to couple the body to the electronic device, the bodyincluding a notch formed therein and a slot formed therein; coupling thefirst support component to the body by engaging the first connector withthe slot; and coupling the second support component to the body byengaging the second connector with the notch.

In one implementation, the connection between the first connector andthe slot is a slidable connection and the connection between the secondconnector and the notch is a pivotable connection. The slot can be afirst slot and the body includes a second slot opposite to the firstslot, with the step of coupling the first support component includingengaging the first connector with the second slot. In addition, thenotch can be a first notch and the body includes a second notch oppositeto the first notch, with the step of coupling the second supportcomponent including engaging the second connector with the second notch.In one embodiment, the first connector has a first end and a second end,the first end of the first connector being inserted into the first slotbefore the second end of the first connector is inserted into the secondslot.

In another embodiment, a method of adjusting a holder for an electronicdevice is disclosed. The holder includes a body configured to be coupledto the electronic device, the holder including a support movable betweena retracted position and at least two extended positions relative to thebody, the support being disposed within the body in its retractedposition and extending from the body in its extended positions, thefirst support component including a first connector coupled to the bodyand the second support component including a second connector coupled tothe body. The method includes the steps of: moving the first connectoralong the body from a retracted position to an extended position, thefirst support component being disposed in a retracted position when thefirst connector is in its retracted position and in an extended positionwhen the first connector is in its extended position; and moving thesecond support component about the second connector relative to the bodyfrom a retracted position to an extended position.

In one implementation, the step of moving the first connector along thebody from a retracted position to an extended position includes slidingthe first connector along the body. The body includes at least one slotand the step of moving the first connector includes moving the firstconnector along the at least one slot. In on embodiment, the secondconnector is pivotally coupled to the body and the step of moving thesecond support component includes rotating the second support componentabout the second connector. In one embodiment, the extended position isa first extended position and the method includes moving the firstconnector along the body from the first extended position to a secondextended position different than the first extended position. The secondsupport component can be rotated about the second connectorsimultaneously with the movement of the first connector between itsretracted position and either of its first extended position and itssecond extended position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent from the following detailed description of thedifferent embodiments and certain modifications thereof when takentogether with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a holder or caseaccording to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hard case for the iPhone®, iPodTouch®, other iPods®, other handheld cell phones, electronic books,electronic tablet computers and other portable video/music playersaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the case illustrated in FIG. 2 with its supportin a deployed configuration.

FIG. 3A illustrates a rear perspective view of the holder illustrated inFIG. 3 with its support in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 3B illustrates a rear perspective view of the holder illustrated inFIG. 3 with its support in another deployed configuration.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the case illustrated in FIG. 2 with its supportin a retracted configuration.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the case illustrated in FIG. 4 withits sound reflector extended.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the case illustrated inFIG. 5 with an electronic device coupled thereto.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of aholder with an optional built-in cord management feature.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the holder illustrated in FIG.7 with a cord coupled thereto.

FIG. 9 illustrates rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofa holder.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 illustrates a rear view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a support component of theholder illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of another support component ofthe holder illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 15 illustrates another side view of the holder illustrated in FIG.9.

FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the holder illustrated inFIG. 11 taken along the line “16-16.”

FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the holder illustrated inFIG. 11 taken along the line “17-17.”

FIG. 18 illustrates a rear perspective view of the holder illustrated inFIG. 9 with its support in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 19 illustrates a close-up view of some of the components of theholder illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 18.

FIG. 20 illustrates a rear view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 illustrates a front view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 23 illustrates another side view of the holder illustrated in FIG.18.

FIG. 24 illustrates an end view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 25 illustrates another end view of the holder illustrated in FIG.18.

FIG. 26 illustrates a cross-sectional end view of the holder illustratedin FIG. 20 taken along the line “26-26.”

FIG. 26A illustrates a partial cross-sectional end view of the holderillustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 26B illustrates a partial cross-sectional end view of analternative embodiment of the holder illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 26C illustrates a partial cross-sectional end view of a portion ofan alternative embodiment of the holder illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 27 illustrates a rear perspective view of the holder illustrated inFIG. 9 with its support in another deployed configuration.

FIG. 28 illustrates an end view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 illustrates a cross-sectional end view of the holder illustratedin FIG. 27 taken along the line “29-29.”

FIG. 30 illustrates a rear perspective view of an alternative embodimentof a holder.

FIG. 30A illustrates a partial perspective view of some components ofthe holder illustrated in FIG. 30.

FIG. 30B illustrates a view of a surface of the holder illustrated inFIG. 30.

FIG. 30C illustrates a view of an alternative embodiment of a surface ofthe holder illustrated in FIG. 30.

FIG. 30D illustrates a perspective view of the surface illustrated inFIG. 30C.

FIG. 31 illustrates a rear perspective view of an alternative embodimentof a holder with its support in a retracted configuration.

FIG. 32 illustrates a rear perspective view of the holder illustrated inFIG. 31 with its support in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 33 illustrates a rear perspective view of an alternative embodimentof a holder with its support in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 34 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an attachmentmechanism for coupling a support to a surface.

FIG. 35 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the attachmentmechanism illustrated in FIG. 34 being coupled to the support.

FIG. 36 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofan attachment mechanism for coupling a support to a surface.

FIG. 37 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the attachmentmechanism illustrated in FIG. 36 being coupled to the support.

FIG. 38 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a mountingstructure useable with a holder.

FIG. 39 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a mountingstructure useable with a holder.

FIG. 40 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a holder with a cordmanagement system according to the invention.

FIG. 40A illustrates an embodiment of a holder and an electronic deviceaccording to the invention.

FIG. 40B illustrates an exemplary method of wrapping a cord from anelectronic device using the holder illustrated in FIG. 40A.

FIG. 41A illustrates an outer perspective view of another embodiment ofa holder in a retracted configuration according to the invention.

FIG. 41B illustrates an inner perspective view of the holder illustratedin FIG. 41A.

FIG. 42 illustrates an outer perspective view of the holder illustratedin FIG. 41A in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 43 illustrates an inner perspective view of the holder illustratedin FIG. 42.

FIG. 43A illustrates a close-up perspective view of a component of theholder illustrated in FIG. 41A.

FIG. 43B illustrates a close-up side view of a component of the holderillustrated in FIG. 41A.

FIG. 44 illustrates an outer perspective view of the holder illustratedin FIG. 41A in another deployed configuration.

FIG. 45 illustrates an inner perspective view of the holder illustratedin FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 illustrates a side view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 41A.

FIG. 47 illustrates an inner perspective view of the holder illustratedin FIG. 41A with its support portion removed.

FIG. 48 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a portion of theholder illustrated in FIG. 47 with which a cord management feature canbe used.

FIG. 49 illustrates an inner perspective view of the portion of theholder illustrated in FIG. 48.

FIG. 50 illustrates a perspective view of a cord wrap member of theholder illustrated in FIG. 41A.

FIG. 51 illustrates an end view of the cord wrap member illustrated inFIG. 50.

FIG. 52 illustrates a side view of the cord wrap member illustrated inFIG. 50.

FIG. 52A illustrates a rear perspective view of another embodiment of aholder according to the invention with its cord management system in adeployed configuration.

FIG. 53 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a holderaccording to the invention with its cord management system in aretracted configuration.

FIG. 54 illustrates a perspective view of the holder illustrated in FIG.53 with its cord management system in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 55 illustrates a cross-sectional end view of the holder illustratedin FIG. 53 taken along the line “55-55.”

FIG. 56 illustrates a cross-sectional end view of the holder illustratedin FIG. 54 taken along the line “56-56.”

FIG. 57 illustrates a perspective view of the holder illustrated in FIG.53 with its support portion in a deployed position.

FIG. 58 illustrates a schematic diagram of another embodiment of aholder according to the invention.

FIG. 59A illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of aholder according to the invention.

FIG. 59B illustrates another perspective view of the holder illustratedin FIG. 59A.

FIG. 60 illustrates a perspective view of the holder illustrated in FIG.59A with its support portion in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 61 illustrates a perspective view of the holder illustrated in FIG.60 in an alternative configuration.

FIG. 62 illustrates another perspective view of the holder illustratedin FIG. 60.

FIG. 63 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the holderillustrated in FIG. 59A with its support portion in another deployedconfiguration.

FIG. 63A illustrates a top view of a coupler and support memberaccording to the invention.

FIG. 63B illustrates a perspective view of a support proximate to thecoupler and support member illustrated in FIG. 63A.

FIGS. 63C and 63D illustrate perspective views of the support mounted tothe coupler illustrated in FIG. 63A.

FIG. 64 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a holder according tothe invention.

FIG. 65 illustrates a schematic block diagram of another holderaccording to the invention.

FIG. 66 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an embodiment ofcomponents of a support according to the invention.

FIG. 67 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an embodiment ofcomponents of another support according to the invention.

FIG. 68 illustrates a rear perspective view of another embodiment of aholder with its support in one orientation according to the invention.

FIG. 69 illustrates a front perspective view of the holder illustratedin FIG. 68.

FIG. 70 illustrates a close-up view of a projecting portion of the baseof the holder illustrated in FIG. 68.

FIG. 71 illustrates a rear perspective view of the holder illustrated inFIG. 68 with its support in another orientation.

FIG. 72 illustrates a front perspective view of the holder illustratedin FIG. 71.

FIG. 73 illustrates a rear perspective view of the holder illustrated inFIG. 68 with its support in another orientation.

FIG. 74 illustrates a rear perspective view of the holder illustrated inFIG. 73 with its support in a deployed configuration.

FIGS. 74A and 74B illustrate partial cross-sectional views of differentembodiments of a cord management member for the support arm.

FIG. 75 illustrates a rear perspective view of the holder illustrated inFIG. 68 with its support in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 76 illustrates a rear perspective view of the holder illustrated inFIG. 71 with its support in a deployed configuration.

FIGS. 77 and 78 illustrate perspective views of the holder illustratedin FIG. 68 in different orientations with its support in a deployedconfiguration.

FIG. 78A illustrates a rear perspective view of another embodiment of aholder with its support in one orientation according to the invention.

FIG. 78B illustrates a front perspective view of the holder illustratedin FIG. 78A.

FIG. 79 illustrates a rear perspective view of an alternative embodimentof a holder according to the invention.

FIG. 79A illustrates a rear perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of a holder and a support according to the invention.

FIGS. 79B and 79C illustrate rear and front perspective views of anotherembodiment of a holder and a support according to the invention,respectively.

FIGS. 79D-79J illustrate close-up views of different embodiments oflocating mechanisms according to the present invention.

FIG. 80 illustrates a perspective view of a body of another embodimentof a holder according to the present invention.

FIG. 81 illustrates a perspective view of the support portion of theholder illustrated in FIG. 80.

FIG. 82 illustrates a perspective view of part of the support portionillustrated in FIG. 81.

FIG. 83 illustrates a perspective view of part of the body of the holderillustrated in FIG. 80.

FIG. 84 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of part of thesupport portion of the holder illustrated in FIG. 82 taken along theline “84-84.”

FIG. 85 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view showing a locatingmember of the base illustrated in FIG. 82 taken along the line “85-85.”

FIG. 86 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view showing a guidemember on the base illustrated in FIG. 83 taken along the line “86-86.”

FIG. 87 illustrates a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of aholder according to the invention.

FIGS. 88 and 89 illustrate schematic diagrams of another embodiment of aholder in different configurations.

FIGS. 89A and 89B illustrate perspective views of another embodiment ofa holder.

FIGS. 89C-89G illustrate different views of another embodiment of aholder according to the invention.

FIGS. 89H-89I illustrate different views of another embodiment of aholder according to the invention.

FIG. 90 illustrates a rear perspective view of another embodiment of aholder according to the invention.

FIG. 91 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a holderaccording to the invention.

FIG. 92 illustrates a perspective view of the holder illustrated in FIG.91 with its cover in an opened position.

FIG. 93 illustrates a perspective view of the holder illustrated in FIG.91 with its cover in a deployed position.

FIGS. 94-96 illustrate side perspective views of the holder illustratedin FIG. 91 with its support portion engaging the cover at differentlocations.

FIGS. 97 and 98 illustrate front perspective views of the holderillustrated in FIG. 91 with an electronic device located on the holderin a portrait orientation and in a landscape orientation, respectively.

FIGS. 99-103 illustrate a top view, opposite end views, a side view, anda bottom view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 91 in a collapsedconfiguration, respectively.

FIGS. 104 and 105 illustrate perspective views of another embodiment ofa holder according to the invention in a closed configuration and in adeployed configuration, respectively.

FIGS. 106 and 107 illustrate a rear perspective view and a side view ofanother embodiment of a holder according to the invention, respectively.

FIG. 108 illustrates a rear perspective view of another embodiment of aholder according to the invention.

FIGS. 109-111 illustrate a rear perspective view, a rear view, and aside view of another embodiment of a holder according to the invention.

FIG. 112 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the holder of FIG. 109.

FIG. 113 illustrates a rear perspective view of another holder accordingto the invention.

FIGS. 114-117 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a holder accordingto the present invention.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elementsthroughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The term “electronic device” is used to include any type of electronicdevice, including those identified above as examples of electronicdevices with which the holder can be used. The terms “support” and“support portion” may be used interchangeably herein along with the term“support assembly” to refer to a structure that can be used to prop upor stand up the holder and an electronic device coupled to the holderrelative to a support surface. The terms “case” and “holder” may be usedinterchangeably herein to refer to a structure that can be coupled to anelectronic device and facilitate the transportation, use or support ofthe electronic device and in addition, provide protection for theelectronic device. The term “pin” is used to include any type ofprotrusion that can be used to engage a slot, including a metal, plasticor other pin, as well as a simple bump of material that juts out fromone component of a holder to engage with another component part of theholder. The term “connector” can be used interchangeably with the term“pin.” As used herein, the term “pin” includes a single connector or aset of corresponding connectors that can be used to couple one componentto another component. The term “LCD” is used to include any type ofdisplay or screen of the device, including an OLED screen.

The terms “cord management system” and “cord management mechanism” areused interchangeably herein to refer to a member or component that canbe used or engaged by a user to manage the position of a cord connectedto an electronic device. The term “orientation” is used here to refer toa particular orientation of a case or holder relative to a supportsurface or a point of view of a user. The orientation of the case orholder is determined in large part by the way in which the support orsupport portion coupled to the base is located relative to the case.Thus, the term “orientation” is also used herein with reference to theorientation of the support relative to the body, which in turn relatesto the support surface as well.

Reference is made herein to the concept of an “upside down”configuration or orientation and a “right side up” configuration ororientation. It is to be understood that those orientations are invertedrelative to each other and are from the viewer or user's point of viewof the particular electronic device. Notably, many current electronicdevices can determine the particular orientation of the device and usetheir functionality to change the image on the device so that it is in aproperly viewable orientation for the viewer or user of the device,regardless of how the device is manipulated or positioned. Thus, the“upside down” and “right side up” orientations relate to the position ofthe case or holder and the electronic device coupled thereto. The “rightside up” orientation can be used to refer to the orientation of theelectronic device and its case when the image displayed thereon is in aproper viewing orientation for the viewer. The viewer can rotate theelectronic device 180 degrees so that the lower edge of the device isnow the upper edge of the device, which can be referred to alternativelyas “inverting” the device. This new position is the “upside down”orientation, regardless of what change is made to the displayed image bythe electronic device. The “upside down” and “right side up”orientations can be referred to alternatively as “180 degreeorientations” as well.

The term “disposed within” is used herein to refer to the position ofthe components of the support or support portion of a case relative tothe body of the case. As set forth below, the case or holder has athickness and an outer surface. The case is coupled to the holder and itis desirable that the support portion of the case not interfere with orotherwise prevent an electronic device from being coupled to the holder.In addition, it is also desirable to minimize the likelihood that thesupport portion of the case protrudes outwardly from the case when thesupport portion is in its retracted position. By not protrudingoutwardly, the case has a generally smooth outer surface and the supportportion does not add to the width or overall size of the case when thesupport portion is in its retracted position. To be “disposed within”the thickness or profile of the case body, a support portion with anouter surface has its outer surface matching with and/or being the samegeneral profile as the outer surface of the case body. In thisarrangement, the outer surface of the support portion and the outersurface of the case body form a continuous surface. In addition, theterm “substantially disposed within” is also used herein. This termrelates to the extent that the support portion is located within thethickness or the profile of the case body. The “substantially disposedwithin” is intended to encompass the variation in which the outersurface of the support portion extends slightly beyond the outer surfaceof the case body, such as by a fraction of an inch (in one embodiment,1/16″ of an inch or in another embodiment, ⅛″ of an inch). Notably, eventhough the support portion outer surface may extend outward slightlymore that the case body outer surface, the support portion outer surfacemay be tapered such that the outer surfaces still form a continuoussurface. Nevertheless, nearly all or essentially all of the supportportion is located within the thickness or profile of the case body whenthe support portion is “substantially disposed within” relative to thecase body.

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a holder or case for an electronicdevice according to the invention is illustrated. In this embodiment,the holder 100 includes a body or body portion 110 that has a couplingmember or mechanism 120. The coupling mechanism 120 can be used tocouple the body 110 to an electronic device 150. The body 110 can beconfigured to provide protection to at least part of the electronicdevice 150. In different embodiments, the coupling mechanism 120includes one or more coupling members that engage the electronic device150. In one implementation, the coupling mechanism 120 may include twocoupling members that engage different portions of the electronic device150. In another implementation, the coupling mechanism 120 may includefour coupling members that engage different portions, such as thecorners, of the electronic device 150.

In this embodiment, the coupling mechanism 120 is integrally formed withthe body 110 of the holder 100. However, in alternative embodiments, thecoupling mechanism 120 is formed separately from the body 110 andsubsequently coupled or connected thereto.

As shown in FIG. 1, the holder 100 includes a support 130 that iscoupled to the body 110. The support 130 is engageable with a supportsurface, such as a table, counter, tray, desk, etc., and is configuredto support the body 110 and the holder 100 via the support surface whenthe electronic device 150 is coupled to the body 110. The support 130 ismovable relative to the body 110 and disposable in several differentpositions relative to the body 110. The support 130 may be slidableand/or pivotable relative to the body 110.

The support 130 can be placed in an extended position 132 in which thesupport 130 extends outwardly from the body 110 and is engageable with asupport surface. The support 130 can also be placed in a retractedposition 134 in which the support 130 is disposed within the body 110(shown in phantom). The body 110 has a thickness and a profile in whichthe support 130 is contained or located when the support 130 is in itsretracted position 134. The support 130 in its retracted position 134has a collapsed thickness that is the same or substantially the same asthe thickness of the body 110.

For example, in one embodiment, the body 110 has an opening formedtherein. The support 130 is dimensioned to fit within the opening of thebody 110 when the support 130 is in its retracted position 134. Bydisposing the support 130 within the body 110 or the profile of the body110, the support 130 does not extend from the body 110 in its retractedposition 134. Accordingly, a smooth and non-obtrusive profile for thebody 110 is achieved. In the event that the body 110 has a curvedconfiguration, the support 130 has a similarly curved configuration. Inan alternative embodiment, substantially all of the support 130 isplaced within the body 110 and only a very minor portion extendstherefrom.

In one embodiment, the holder 100 includes a sound or audio reflector140 coupled to the body 110. In different embodiments, the holder 100may not include the reflector 140. Referring to the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1, the reflector 140 is coupled to and movablerelative to the body 110. The reflector 140 is shaped or configured sothat audible output from the electronic device 150 is reflected off of asurface of the reflector 140 and in a direction desired by the user. Inmany implementations, the electronic device 150 includes a speaker ortransducer proximate to its rear surface along which the body 110 of theholder 100 is placed. Typically, the user is located on the front of thedevice 150 when viewing the screen of the device 150. Accordingly, it isdesirable that the audible output of the device 150 be reflected towardthe front of the device 150 toward the user.

The reflector 140 is located proximate to the location of the speaker onthe electronic device 150. The reflector 140 forms a part of the body110 and is movable between an extended position 142 in which audibleoutputs are reflected off the reflector 140 and a retracted position 144within the body 110 of the holder 100. In its retracted position 144,the reflector 140 is positioned within a recess or opening formed in thebody 110 and disposed within the body 110.

In one embodiment, the body 110, the coupling mechanism 120, the support130, and the reflector 140 can be formed of a molded plastic material.In one embodiment, each of the support 130 and the reflector 140 isslidably coupled to the body 110. In other embodiments, one or both ofthe support 130 and the reflector 140 is pivotally coupled to the body110.

As described above, the invention includes a versatile hard case forcell phones such as the iPhone®, portable video/music players such asthe iPod Touch® or other iPods®, and other handheld cell phones andportable video/music players. In one embodiment, the case allows wearingof the device on a belt clip as well as placement on any surface forhands-free viewing, with full adjustment of viewing angle in landscapeorientation as well as viewing in portrait orientation with a morelimited degree of angular adjustment. The hard case is especially suitedfor any handheld device with a frontal LCD, OLED, or other type ofdisplay including a touch-viewing screen.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hard case 2 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. The hard case 2 is illustrated asbeing mounted to an electronic device 70 that has a front surface 72with a display or display screen 74 and a side wall or portion 76 thatextends around the perimeter of the front surface 72. The electronicdevice 70 includes a rear surface (not shown in FIG. 2) opposite thefront surface 72. The electronic device 70 includes one or more ports 80that facilitate the connection of the electronic device 70 to othercomponents.

The hard case 2 includes a molded form-fitting backplate 10 withmoderately raised upwardly curving edges 12 and four more pronounced andcorner-positioned clamps 14 that furl over for cradling the device 70 atthe corners of the device 70. The edges 12 are interrupted as necessaryby apertures 18 to provide access to input/output ports, power keys andother controls side mounted on the device 70, such as port 80. While thespecific configuration of the apertures 18 may vary depending on thedevice 70 with which the hard case 2 will be used, in one embodiment,the apertures 18 are duplicated in minor-image fashion on both sides toallow insertion and use of the device 70 in either 180-degree rotatedorientations.

Similarly, mirror-image apertures may be provided for device cameralenses. In addition to corner clamps 14, an offset series of grippers 16is positioned along each side of backplate 10, likewise in minor imagefashion. Each gripper 16 comprises an upwardly furled oval flangedefined by a central aperture. The grippers 16 may be integrally moldedand impart a resilient sidelong bias against the device 70, working inconjunction with the corner-positioned clamps 14 to securely seat thedevice 70 and clamp it in place within the backplate 10. It is importantthat the grippers 16 and clamps 14 extend up to but not in advance ofthe device LCD 74 so as not to obstruct viewing and/or touch screenaccess, and also to allow the user to wipe the LCD 74 clean with a clothor against a shirtsleeve.

Referring to FIG. 3, a rear perspective view of the case 2 and theelectronic device 70. The electronic device 70 has a rear surface 75 andan end 78 as shown. A major central portion of the backplate 10 isdefined by a rear aperture 20, here rectangular, that seats a foldingkickstand assembly or support 30. In other embodiments, the size andconfiguration of the aperture 20 can vary.

The kickstand assembly or support 30 is a novel and fully-adjustablemechanism for upright hands-free viewing of the device 70 at any angleas well as landscape or portrait viewing, while also serving as ahands-free shoulder cradle for speaking into a cell phone containedtherein. In FIG. 3, the support 30 is illustrated in a deployed orextended position or configuration relative to the case 2. The kickstandassembly or support 30 further comprises a stand member 34 formed in theshape of an I (with opposing sidelong notches 35A and 35B) and pivotedat one end to the backplate 10. The support 30 also includes opposingreinforcing struts 32 that fit within the sidelong notches 35A and 35Band thereby fold flat with the stand member 34 when the support 30 isplaced in its retracted position. In the retracted position, the standmember 34 and struts 32 fit together flush within the aperture 20 of thebackplate 10.

The stand member 34 is pivotally coupled to the backplate 10 on one sideof the rear aperture 20 by a first pivot pin 36 that traverses the standmember 34. The pin 36 enters notches 42 formed in the backplate 10 onopposing sides of aperture 20. The reinforcing struts 32 are pivotallycoupled to the stand member 34 on opposing sides by a second pivot pin37 that traverses the stand member 34, protruding outward into thesidelong notches on opposing sides of stand member 34 to anchor thereinforcing struts 32 therein. The other ends of reinforcing struts 32are slidably anchored in channels 38 formed in the backplate 10 onopposing sides of aperture 20 by pivot pins 41, 43 that traverse therespective struts 32, entering the slots or channels 38 formed in thebackplate 10 on opposing sides of its aperture 20. This way, the standmember 34 when folded inward seats within the aperture 20 in thebackplate 10 and draws the reinforcing struts 32 down into the backplateaperture 10 for an entirely flush-folded slimline configuration.

In another embodiment, now shown, reinforcing struts 32 can be pinchedtogether to allow pins 41 and 42 to disengage and slide with respect tothe serrated notches 47. The serrated notches 47 can be on both sides ofchannels 38, one side of channel 38 or located so that only the exposeddistal ends of pins 41 and 42 engage with the serrated notches 47.

Referring to FIG. 4, a flush-folded slimline configuration of the case 2is illustrated. As shown, the components of the kickstand assembly orsupport 30 (including the struts 32 and the stand member 34) aredisposed within the aperture 20 of the backplate 10 and within theprofile of the backplate 10.

Conversely, when the stand member 34 is unfolded outward it angles awayfrom the backplate 10 and draws the reinforcing struts 32 outward,thereby serving as a structurally sound kickstand for inclinedhands-free viewing. The desired angle can be adjusted and fixed by theuser. These opposing slots or channels 38 are internally indexed with aseries of serrated notches 47 (see FIG. 3) to provide an indexed slidingmotion for pins 41, 43. Thus, when the stand member 34 is unfoldedoutward, it draws the reinforcing struts 32 outward, and the opposingchannels 38 provide an indexed adjustment feature that selectively locksthe pins 41, 43 and hence the angle of the stand member 34 at anydesired angle along the entire length of the opposing channels 38. Theuser can set the viewing angle of the device 70 as desired.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the holder 2 is illustrated with itssupport 30 in deployed configurations. The base plate 10 includes anedge 19 that defines the opening 20 through the plate 10. The body 10includes a coupling mechanism 11 that includes several wall portionsthat are configured to engage an electronic device. The edge 19 includesopposite side walls (only side wall 23 is shown). Side wall 23 includesthe slot or channel 38 formed therein. The opposite side wall includes acorresponding slot.

The support 30 can be placed in a retracted configuration (see FIG. 4)and in extended positions 4 (see FIG. 3A) and 6 (see FIG. 3B). Thesupport 30 includes a support component 34 that has a body 35A that hasan end 35B pivotally coupled to the body 10 by one or more pins (notshown). The body 35A also includes an end 35C that is used to contact asupport surface 3 as shown. The body 35A includes side walls 35D and 35Ethat define notches 35F and 35G. Located along side wall 35D is alocking mechanism 35H, which can be a projection or a recess.

The struts 32 of the support 30 can be referred to alternatively assupport components. One strut includes ends 32A and 32B that are coupledto the support component 34 and the body 10 by pins 37 and 43,respectively. Similarly, the other strut 32 includes ends 32C and 32Dthat are coupled to the support component 34 and the body 10 by pins 37and 41, respectively.

If a user decides that he or she prefers to wear the device on theirbelt rather than in a pocket, the stand member 34 may be formed with acentral recess configured for latching a belt clip (not shown) in place,so that the belt clip can be externally attached when the stand member34 and reinforcing plates or struts 32 are fully folded inward (bothseated flush within the aperture 20 in the backplate 10). This allowsthe flush-folded case 2 to be worn on the belt.

Referring to FIG. 3, note that the bottom of the stand member 34 isformed with an arch 39 designed to conform to the shoulder of a user.This allows the case 2 to be used as a hands-free shoulder support whenusing the device as a cell phone. The arch 39 conforms to the user'sshoulder, and allows the device to be cradled between the head andshoulder when speaking.

As seen in the lower inset of FIG. 3, notches 42 are formed in the standmember 34 on opposing sides for ingress and receipt of pivot pin 36.These notches 42 are specially-formed quick-release notches having akeyslot cross-section with a forwardly protruding notch. Thisfacilitates assembly of the pin 36 into notch or slot 42 inasmuch as thepin 36 can be angled into the notch 42 more easily and snapped in place.It also avoids breakage of the kickstand assembly or support 30 sinceupon severe shock the kickstand 30 will simply dislodge at the pin 36(rather than breaking), and can then be reassembled.

It should now be apparent that the above-described hard case 2 is highlyversatile inasmuch as the side grippers 16 clamp around the devicewithout obscuring the display or controls, the case 2 allows the deviceto be inserted in either 180 orientations without compromisingusability, and the adjustable kickstand or support 30 allows adjustmentof the viewing angle within a broad range, as well as landscape orportrait viewing. When standing on end the kickstand assembly or support30 protrudes rearwardly enough to still support the device at anincline.

Given the angular adjustment shown in FIG. 3 the hard case 2 can besupported at an 80 degree (offset from horizontal) viewing angle,presenting the user with a perfect frontal perpendicular view of the LCD74. If, on the other hand, the user is seated on an airplane and ispeering down to the device 70 seated on an airline tray from above, thekickstand assembly 30 can be readjusted to provide a more appropriateviewing angle, such as a 20 degree (offset from horizontal) viewingangle. Despite this versatility, the hard case 2 can be folded flat intoan extremely low profile to facilitate pocket insertion, or for use witha detachable belt clip for wearing.

Referring to FIG. 3, the case 2 includes a slide-panel or noise shield49 that is movably coupled to the backplate 10 of the case 2. FIG. 4 isa side perspective view, and FIG. 5 is a top, perspective view, of theback of the hard case 2 illustrating a slide-panel 49 that serves as anoise shield. Since both the microphone and the speaker for an iPhone®mobile digital device, and other electronic devices, are located onbottom of phone or device, it can be difficult for these phones to pickup the user's voice, yet easy to pick up room noise. This is especiallytrue when using the external speaker of an iPhone® mobile digitaldevice, and the sound tends to seem low unless the user holds the bottomof the phone directly at the user. The noise shield 49 is a slidingpanel that extends endwise outward from the bottom of phone. In oneembodiment, the noise shield 49 extends about one-half inch (½″). Thenoise shield or panel 49 is curved to conform to the contour of thebottom end of the hard case 2. In this embodiment the panel slidesbetween a retracted position and an extended position. In otherembodiments, this movement could be accomplished by twisting, flipping,pivoting, or bending the slide-panel 49 between one position and theother. Further, there could be multiple extended positions.

Thus, in its closed position the iPhone® mobile digital device willfunction normally and can even be docked. To open, the noise shield 49slides outward in an arc creating a pocket from the bottom of phoneabout one-half inch (½″). The pocket channels sound, in one sense toreduce ambient room noise by shielding the microphone from surroundingnoise. In addition, the pocket deflects sound outward from the iPhone'sexternal speaker, bouncing it back towards the front face of phoneinstead of straight out the bottom of phone. This makes the externalspeaker sound appear louder, while also deflecting the user's own voiceback into the microphone. In alternative embodiments, the shield orpanel 49 extends a distance different than one-half inch from the device70 and case 2.

Referring to FIG. 4, the shield or panel 49 is disposed in its retractedposition 50 relative to the backplate 10. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6,the shield or panel 49 is disposed in an extended or reflecting position52 relative to the backplate 10. In this position, an outer edge or end51 of the panel 49 extends beyond the end of the case 2.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, an alternative embodiment of a case isillustrated. FIGS. 7 and 8 are views of an alternative embodiment of ahard case 200 similar to the foregoing case 2 but with an optionalbuilt-in cord management feature. As shown in FIG. 7, the cordmanagement feature or mechanism 210 includes four outwardly-pivotingcorner tabs 220 installed into apertures 230 in each of the four cornersof the hard case 200. Each of the apertures 230 is formed in a corner ofthe hard case 200 and simply conforms to the body of each correspondingtab 220, thereby providing a flush seating. Each of the tabs 220conforms outwardly to the contours of the hard case 200 so as to providea seamless aesthetic when folded. Each tab includes opposing coaxialpins (which may be integrally molded) that pivotally attach insidecorresponding holes in the apertures 230. This way, a user can on demandflip the tabs 220 outward from a stowed/flush position to a deployedposition (as shown), whereupon they collectively serve as a cord storagereel as shown in FIG. 8.

Standard audio output cords or power cords can be conveniently wound toavoid clutter. Furthermore, channeled ribs 240 may be provided as shownat the top center and/or bottom center (other at other locations) of thehard case 200 to channel the cord 250 and releasably secure it in placeby a press-fit. As an alternative to the foregoing, cord management canalso be obtained by pre-forming a recessed channel that runs about theedges of the hard case 200, thereby allowing a cord to be wrappedinside. Note that this same channel in the manner of a picture framemight be hinged at one point (e.g., at one corner) and also serve thepurpose of an adjustable kickstand.

Referring to FIGS. 9-17, an alternative embodiment of a case or holderis illustrated. Referring to FIGS. 9-11, a rear perspective view of thecase or holder 300, a front view of the case, and a rear view of thecase, respectively, are illustrated. In this embodiment, the holder 300includes a body or base 310 that is molded using a plastic material. Inan alternative embodiment, the base 310 of the holder 300 can be formedof metal or a combination of materials that could include fabric, orrubber. The body or base 310 can be referred to alternatively as amounting portion. The body 310 has opposite ends 312 and 314 andopposite sides 316 and 318. The body 310 includes a rear plate or baseplate 320 that has an inner surface 322 (see FIG. 10) and an outer orrear surface 324 (see FIGS. 9 and 11). The inner surface 322 and theouter surface 324 of the plate 320 define a thickness therebetween. Asshown in FIG. 11, the plate 320 includes an opening 317 formedtherethrough that is aligned with a camera eye or opening on theelectronic device coupled to the holder 300.

The plate 320 includes an edge 326 that defines an opening 328 (see FIG.18). In this embodiment, the opening 328 is substantially centrallylocated on the plate 320. However, in other embodiments, the opening 328may be offset along the plate 320 and may have a different shape orconfiguration than opening 328. The plate also includes an edge 330 thatdefines a recess 332 (see FIG. 9). The edge 330 and recess 332 arelocated proximate to end 312 of case 300.

As shown in FIG. 9, the case 300 includes a sound reflector 340 slidablycoupled to the body 310. The reflector 340 is configured to be insertedinto the recess 332 defined by edge 330. The reflector 340 includes abody portion 346 and a curved portion 348 with a distal end or edge 350.A series of grooves or ridges 356 form an engagement area 354 that canbe engaged by a user's finger to move the reflector 340 relative to thebody 310. Each of the opposite sides and the end of the body portion 346includes a groove or slot formed therein that facilitates the sliding ofthe body portion 346 along the side walls forming the edge 330 thatdefines the recess 332. The friction fit of the reflector 340 in therecess 332 enables a user to position the reflector 340 in a desiredposition and have the reflector 340 remain in that position.

The sound reflector 340 includes a surface that is used to reflectaudible outputs. In one embodiment, the sound reflector 340 is made of amaterial that has a higher density than the material of the rest of theholder 300. The higher density of the material increases the intensityat which sound is reflected off of the reflector 340. In an alternativeembodiment, the sound reflector 340 includes a surface with a piece orlayer of material coupled thereto that has a higher density (andimproved reflecting properties) than the rest of the sound reflector340. The additional piece of material can be adhered to or molded withthe inner surface of the sound reflector 340. Thus, by changing thematerial of the sound reflector 340 relative to the holder 300 or byusing a piece of material, such as metal, coupled to the sound reflector340, the reflecting properties and characteristics of the soundreflector 340 are improved. In other words, the material used on thereflector 340 is more sonically reflective than the material of the body310.

The case 300 also includes a coupling mechanism 360 that can be used tocouple the case 300 to an electronic device. The coupling mechanism 360is a releasable coupling mechanism so that a user can easily remove thecase 300 from the electronic device when desired. The coupling mechanism360 includes at least one coupling member. In this embodiment, thecoupling mechanism 360 includes coupling members 362, 364, 366, and 368,each of which is located near a corner of the case 300 and a corner ofthe electronic device.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 15, the coupling mechanism 360 includes a sidewall 380 that is integrally formed with the base plate 320. In thisembodiment, the side wall 380 includes several gripping members thatfacilitate the gripping of the case 300 by a user. The gripping membersinclude openings 410, 412, and 414 that are defined by edges 400, 402,and 404, respectively, and surrounded by tapered surfaces 390, 392, and394, respectively (see FIG. 15 for greater detail). The openings andtapered surfaces are sized to be engaged by a user's fingers. In otherembodiments, the side wall 380 may include fewer or more openings or theside wall 380 may be formed with no such openings at all. As shown inFIG. 15, the side wall 380 also includes an edge 382 that defines anaperture or notch 384 that facilitates access to one or more ports orfeatures of an electronic device coupled to the case 300.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 14, the coupling mechanism 360 includes a sidewall 420 that is integrally formed with the base plate 320. In thisembodiment, the side wall 420 extends between coupling members or cornerportions 366 and 368 along the length of plate 320. As shown in FIG. 14,the side wall 420 includes an edge 422 and several openings 450, 452,and 454 that are defined by edges 440, 442, and 444, respectively, andsurrounded by tapered surfaces 430, 432, and 434, respectively. Theopenings and tapered surfaces are configured to be engaged by one ormore fingers of a user. In different embodiments, the quantity ofopenings formed in the side wall 420 can vary.

Referring to FIGS. 9-11, the holder 300 includes a support or supportportion 500 coupled to the body 310. The support 500 can be referred toalternatively as a stand or kickstand assembly. The support 500 isconfigured to be used to support the body 310 at one or moreorientations relative to a support surface 301 (as shown in FIG. 18).The support 500 includes two support components 520 and 600. Asdiscussed in detail below, support component 520 is coupled to the body310 and to support component 600 and the support component 600 iscoupled to the body 310 and to support component 520. The support 500 isillustrated in a retracted or collapsed configuration 502 in FIGS. 9-11.

As shown in FIG. 10, the components 520 and 600 are visible andaccessible from the inner side of the case 300. When the supportcomponents 520 and 600 are moved to their collapsed or retractedpositions, the support components 520 and 600 are substantiallycoextensive with the opening 328 in the plate 320 of the body 310. Thesupport components 520 and 600 are sized and configured to collectivelymate with the opening 328.

Referring to FIG. 12, a perspective view of an embodiment of supportcomponent 520 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the support component520 includes a base portion 536 and an extension 538 integrally formedwith the base 536. The support component 520 includes opposite ends orend portions 522 and 526 and an intermediate end or end portion 524.Ends 522 and 524 correspond to the ends of the base portion 536. Thebase portion 536 and extension 538 include an outer surface 530 thatengages a support surface when the holder 300 is in use. The outersurface 530 forms a contact surface or area that engages a supportsurface and is used for support. In one embodiment, the outer surface530 can be substantially planar. In another embodiment, the outersurface 530 can have a curved configuration. The base portion 536 andextension 538 include an inner surface 532 opposite to the outer surface530 (see FIG. 17).

As shown, the support component 520 includes edges 540 and 542 thatdefine notches or recesses 544 and 546, respectively. The base portion536 includes side walls 537 and 535 and mounting portions 549 and 551that include openings 552 and 550 therethrough, respectively, throughwhich couplers, such as pins, are inserted to couple support component520 and support component 600. The base portion 536 also includes anopening 548 extending therethrough proximate to end 522 through which apin or coupler can be inserted to couple the support component 520 tothe body 310 of the case 300.

The extension 538 also includes an engagement portion 528 proximate toend 526. The engagement portion 528 includes a tapered portion thatfacilitates engagement of the support component 520 by a user, asdescribed below. In other embodiments, the particular configuration ofsupport component 520 can vary.

Referring to FIG. 13, a perspective view of an embodiment of supportcomponent 600 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the support component600 includes a body 610 with side edges 612 and 614 and an inner edge616 that defines a recess 618. An engagement surface 620 is formed inthe body 610 to facilitate access to the engagement portion 528 ofsupport component 520 by a user to move the support 500 from itsretracted configuration to an extended configuration. The body 610includes an inner surface 622 and an outer surface 624 opposite to theinner surface 622 (see FIG. 17) that define a thickness therebetween.

The support component 600 includes an extension 640 with an end portion642 with an opening 644 therethrough. The end portion 642 also includesa notch 646. Along the inner surface of the extension 640 is a lockingmember 630 that is engaged with a corresponding locking member onsupport component 520 as discussed below. The support component 600includes another extension 660 with an end portion 662 with an opening664 therethrough. The end portion 662 also includes a notch 666 and alocking member (not shown). Couplers, such as pins, can be insertedthrough the openings 644 and 664 to couple support component 600 tosupport component 520. As discussed in greater detail below, the body610 has an end 602 slidably coupled to the body 310 of the holder 300and an end 604 that is pivotally coupled to support component 520.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the support 500 is illustrated in itsretracted position or configuration 502. The support 500 has an outersurface 501 that together with the outer surface 324 of the body 310forms a substantially continuous outer surface for the holder 300.Support component 520 is illustrated in FIG. 14 and support component600 is illustrated in FIG. 15. As shown, coupling member 366 has alength that extends to an outer edge 376. The coupling member 366 has acurved configuration that curves around an edge of an electronic device.The edge 376 is located proximate to the front surface of the electronicdevice, but does not cover any of the front surface. As a result, thecoupling member 366 provides protection for the electronic device bybeing located in the corner area, which is the portion of the electronicdevice that has the highest incidence of contacting a surface or objectwhen the electronic device is dropped. In addition, because the edge 376extends slightly above the plane of the front surface of the electronicdevice, protection is provided to the electronic device in the eventthat the front surface of the electronic device is oriented downwardlywhen dropped. Since the edge 376 does not cover the front surface of theelectronic device, a user has full access to the front surface and caneasily wipe the front surface clean. Coupling members 362, 364, and 368are similarly configured to coupling member 366 and have edges 372, 374,and 378, respectively, that are configured the same as edge 376.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, cross-sectional views of the holder 300taken along the respective lines illustrated in FIG. 11 are shown. InFIG. 16, a length-wise cross-sectional view of the holder 300 is takenfrom end 312 to end 314. In FIG. 17, a side-to-side cross-sectional viewof the holder 300 is taken from side 316 to side 318.

As shown in FIG. 16, the support 500 is disposed within the body 310 ofthe holder 300. In particular, the support 500 is disposed within theopening 328 defined by edge 326 in the plate 320 of body 310. Thesupport 500 includes the extensions 640 and 660 of support component 600and extension 530 of support component 520 which are all located withinthe profile of the body 310 of the holder 300 and in particular, withinthe opening 328. The outer surface 501 of the support 500 and itscomponents is substantially continuous with the outer surface 324 of thebody 310 and collectively, the surfaces 501 and 324 form a continuous orsubstantially continuous outer surface of the holder 300.

Referring to FIG. 17, a different view of the components of the support500 is illustrated. The support component 520 has a thickness 508 thatis defined by the inner surface 532 and the outer surface 530 of thesupport component 520. The body 310 has a thickness 311. The supportcomponent 520 is coupled to the plate 320 or body 310 by a pin 690 thatis inserted through opening 548. The pin 690 allows the supportcomponent 520 to move or pivot relative to the body 310. Accordingly,the pin 690 defines an axis of rotation for the support component 520.

In FIG. 17, the proximity of the engagement surface 620 of supportcomponent 600 to engagement portion 528 of support component 520 isillustrated. The engagement surface 620 is recessed or has a concaveconfiguration to allow a portion of a finger of a user to contact andengage portion 528 to move support component 520 along the direction ofarrow “A” about pin 690 to an extended position. When the support 500 isto be collapsed, the support component 520 can be moved along thedirection of arrow “B” about pin 690 to its retracted position 502 shownin FIG. 17. Support component 600 is coupled to the body 310 by a pin680 that extends through an opening in the support component 600 andengaged with a slot in the body 310, as discussed below.

Referring to FIGS. 18-26, the holder 300 is illustrated in a deployed oruse configuration. In this configuration, the support 500 of the holder300 is placed in an extended configuration 504. As shown in FIG. 18,each of the support components 520 and 600 has moved relative to thebody 310 from the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 9-17. In FIG. 18,the support component 520 is shown in an extended position 523. Thesupport component 520 is moved from its retracted position 521 (see FIG.17) around axis 580 defined by pin 690 along the direction of arrow “C”to its extended position 523. When the support component 520 is in thisposition, the outer surface 530 of the support component 520 engages asupport surface 301 to prop up and support the body 310 of the holder300 and any electronic device coupled to the holder 300. The range ofmotion of the support component 520 around axis 580 can vary.

As the support component 520 pivots about axis 580, the pivotingconnection between the support components 520 and 600 results in supportcomponent 600 moving about axis 582 along the direction of arrow “D”relative to support component 520. Axis 582 is defined by the pins thatcouple the support components 520 and 600 together. In an alternateembodiment, axis 582 could be defined by a living hinge that would matesupport components 520 and 600 together.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the edge 326 that defines opening 328includes several side walls 462, 464, 466, and 468 that define theopening 328. The body 310 of the holder 300 includes a positioningmechanism that includes slots formed in side walls of the body 310. Asshown, side wall 462 includes a slot 470 with ends 472 and 474 and asurface 476 extending between the ends 472 and 474 defining the upperand lower sides of the slot 470. Referring to FIG. 19, the surface 476includes several projections or ridges 478 formed on the upper and lowerportions of the surface 476. Similarly, side wall 464 includes a slot(not shown) with opposite ends and several projections or ridges formedtherealong. Each of the projections or ridges 478 defines a position forpin 690 and as a result, defines a position for the support 500. Asshown, more than three positions for the support 500 are defined by thequantity of the ridges 478. Referring back to FIG. 18, the end 602 ofsupport component 600 is slidably coupled to the plate 320 via pin 680that engages slot 470 on side wall 462 and the corresponding slot onside wall 464. The pin 680 engages the projections 478 which help retainthe pin 680 in a particular location along the slot 470 along with thefriction between the pin 680 and the surfaces of the slot 470. Alsoshown in FIG. 19 is the pin 690 that pivotally couples or mounts supportcomponent 520 to the body 310.

Referring to FIG. 18, as support component 520 rotates along thedirection of arrow “C,” end 602 of support component 600 moves toward anextended position 603 along the direction of arrow “E” which isdetermined by the direction and configuration of the slots in the sidewalls 462 and 464. In one embodiment, the slots in the side walls 462and 464 have a slightly curved configuration. The curved configurationof the slots changes the frictional force that is applied to the pin680. The varying force and the projections in the slots enable supportcomponents 520 and 600 to be retained in a variety of positions relativeto the body 310, thereby enabling the support or support stand tosupport the holder 300 at different angles and orientations relative toa support surface.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, rear and front views of the holder 300with the support 500 in its extended configuration 504 are illustrated,respectively. The pin 680 that engages the side walls 462 and 464 isshown and has been moved along the direction of arrow “F” in FIG. 20 andthe direction of arrow “G” in FIG. 21. When the support components 520and 600 move to their positions associated with extended configuration504, a portion of the opening 328 is exposed as shown. Referring toFIGS. 22 and 23, left and right side view of the holder 300 with thesupport 500 in its extended configuration 504 are illustrated.

Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, opposite end views of the holder 300 withthe support 500 in its extended configuration 504 are illustrated. Asshown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the support component 520 includes oppositeside walls 535 and 537 for base portion 536 and opposite side walls 566and 568 for extension 538. The side walls 566 and 568 include lockingmembers 560 and 562, respectively. In this embodiment, each lockingmember 560 and 562 is a recess formed in the corresponding side wall 566or 568. Each of the recesses 560 and 562 is configured to receive acorresponding projection on support component 600 when the supportcomponents 520 and 600 are placed in their retracted positions. As shownin FIG. 24, the support component 520 is placed in its extended position521. The support component 600 is coupled to support component 520 bypins 570 and 572. The outer surface 530 forms a contact area or surface685 that contacts a support surface along with contact area or surface695.

Referring back to FIG. 18, support component 600 includes a lockingmember 630 that engages with locking member 562 on support component 520and an opposite locking member (not shown) that engages with lockingmember 560 on support component 520. The locking members on supportcomponent 600 are projections that engage the recesses 560 and 562. Inan alternative embodiment, the structure and the configurations of thelocking members on the support components 520 and 600 can be reversed sothat support component 520 includes projections and support component600 includes corresponding recesses.

Referring to FIG. 26, a cross-sectional view of the holder 300 with thesupport 500 in its extended configuration 504 shown in FIG. 20 isillustrated. In this view, the details of slot 470 are illustrated. Slot470 has opposite ends 472 and 474 and a surface 476 extendingtherealong. The surface 476 includes several projections or ridges 478disposed along the surface 476. The pin 680 is moved along the slot 470along the direction of arrow “H” as shown. At the same time, supportcomponent 520 moves about pin 690 along the direction of arrow “I.” Inthis view, locking member 630, in this embodiment a projection, onsupport component 600 is illustrated. To collapse the support 500,support component 520 is moved along the direction of arrow “J” aboutpin 690 and pin 680 moves along slot 470 along the direction of arrow“K.”

Referring to FIGS. 26A-26C, several different embodiments of a baseplate 320 are illustrated and the assembly of the support 500 to theholder 300 is described. Referring to FIG. 26A, the base plate 320 ofthe holder 300 including side walls 462, 466, and 468 defining opening328 is illustrated. As previously described, side wall 462 includes aslot 470 with opposite ends 472 and 474. The side wall opposite sidewall 462 includes a similar slot formed therein. Proximate to side wall468, side wall 462 includes an opening 696 that leads to a notch orreceptacle 692. The width of the opening 696 is smaller than the widthof the notch 692. In the embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 26A, theopening 696 leading to notch 692 is located on the outer surface 324 ofthe base plate 320. The side wall 468 opposite to side wall 462 has asimilarly configured opening and notch arrangement that is used in thesame manner as opening 696 and notch 692.

When the support 300 illustrated in FIG. 26A is to be assembled, supportcomponents 520 and 600 are coupled together and moved proximate to theopening 328 in the base plate 320. Initially, the pin 680 (or if morethan one, the pins 680) coupled to support component 600 is connected tothe base plate 320 and in particular, to the slots 470 in the base plate320. One end of the pin 680 coupled to support component 600 is insertedinto the slot 470. The support component 600 is moved at an anglerelative to the base plate 320 so that the opposite end of the pin 680can be inserted into the slot 470 formed in the opposite side wall 468.After support component 600 is slidably coupled to the base plate 320,support component 520 is then coupled to the base plate 320.

As previously described, support component 520 includes a pin 690 thatis coupled thereto. In one embodiment, the pin 690 extends outwardlyfrom opposite sides of the support component 520. The pin 690 can beinserted or snapped into the opening 696, which is sized slightlysmaller than the diameter of the pin 690, and then moved into the notch692. The pin 690 is retained in the notch 692 due to the smaller widthof the opening 696. However, if sufficient force is applied to thesupport 500, the pin 690 can be dislodged and separated from the baseplate 320 by moving through the opening 696 without damaging the baseplate 320. Similarly, the opposite end of the pin 690 is inserted orsnapped into an opening corresponding to opening 696 and moved to anotch corresponding to notch 692 formed in side wall 468.

Thus, when the support components 520 and 600 are coupled to the baseplate 320, the connection between the connector or pin 680 is a slidableconnection along the slot 470. As a result, the second support component600 is slidable along the base plate 320 with some rotational movementabout pin 680 as well as the connector 680 slides along the body 310. Inaddition, the connection between the connector or pin 690 is a pivotableconnection. The first support component 520 rotates about the connectoror pin 690 simultaneously as the connector 680 slides in the slot 470.

Referring to FIG. 26B, the coupling of the support components 520 and600 to the base plate 320 is similar to that illustrated in FIG. 26Aexcept that the opening 696 and notch 692 are oriented so that theopening 696 is located along the inner surface or face 322. In thisembodiment, pin 690 can be moved proximate to the inner surface 322 andinserted or snapped into place in the notch 692. Alternatively, as shownin FIG. 26C, a separate wall 698 can be formed along a portion of theside wall 462. In this embodiment, the opening 696 and notch 692 areoriented so that the opening 696 is located along that wall 698. In thiscoupling implementation, the pin 690 is moved proximate to wall 698 andinserted into the opening 696 and the notch 692.

In each of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 26A-26C, the supportcomponent 600 is initially coupled to the base plate 320 via the slots470 and the support component 520 is subsequently coupled to the baseplate 320 via notches 692.

Referring to FIGS. 27-29, the holder 300 is illustrated in a differentdeployed or use configuration. In this configuration, the support 500 ofthe holder 300 is placed in an extended configuration 506. Compared toextended configuration 504 illustrated in FIG. 18, the support 500 ispositioned so that it extends outwardly less than extended configuration506 and as a result, the angle between front surface of the electronicdevice on holder 300 and the support surface 301 is different.

As shown in FIG. 27, each of the support components 520 and 600 hasmoved relative to the body 310. The support component 520 is shown in anextended position 525 and support component 600 is shown in an extendedposition 625 (see FIG. 28). When the support 500 is in this extendedconfiguration 506, the contact areas or surfaces 685 and 695 (see FIG.28) are positioned to engage the support surface 301 at a differentangle than in extended configuration 504. Referring to FIG. 29, thesupport component 520 is moved from its retracted position 521 aroundaxis 580 defined by pin 690 along the direction of arrow “L” to itsextended position 525.

Referring to FIG. 29, a cross-sectional view of the holder 300 with itssupport 500 in its extended configuration 506 shown in FIG. 27 isillustrated. The pin 680 moves along the slot 470 along the direction ofarrow “M” when the support component 520 moves along the direction ofarrow “L.” To collapse the support 500, support component 520 is movedalong the direction of arrow “N” about pin 690 and pin 680 moves alongslot 470 along the direction of arrow “O.” Axis 694 in FIG. 29 is theaxis about which support components 520 and 600 move relative to eachother.

Referring to FIG. 30, an alternative embodiment of a holder isillustrated. In this embodiment, the holder 700 includes a body 710 thatincludes a base plate or back plate 720 with an edge 722 defining anopening 724. The opening 724 can be positioned so that when anelectronic device is coupled to the holder 700, the camera eye of theelectronic device is aligned with the opening 724. The plate 720 alsoincludes an edge 726 that defines an opening 728.

In this embodiment, the body 710 includes a coupling mechanism 730 thatincludes a wall 732 that extends around a portion of an electronicdevice. The wall 732 includes several openings 740, 742, 744, 746, and748 that facilitate the gripping of the holder 700 by a user. Inaddition, the wall 732 includes several other openings (such as openings750 and 752) that allow access to ports on the electronic device.

The holder 700 includes a support or support portion 760 that is used tosupport the body 710 relative to a support surface 702. The supportportion 760 includes a support component 761 with a mounted end 762 anda distal or free end 764. The mounted end 762 is coupled to the body 710to pivotally mount the support component 761 to the body 710. Thesupport portion 760 is illustrated in a deployed configuration 766 inFIG. 30. When the support component 761 is moved to its retractedposition, the support component 761 is disposed within the body 710 andin particular, within the opening 728.

Referring to FIGS. 30A and 30B, some components of an alternativeembodiment of the holder 700 illustrated in FIG. 30 are illustrated.Only a portion of the support 760 is illustrated for ease of reference.The support 760 includes a support component 761 with an end 762 and anend surface 763. In this embodiment, extending from a side wall of thesupport component 761 is a pin or projection 765 that is formedseparately and coupled to the support component 761 by being insertedinto a hole or opening on the side of the support component 761. Asimilar pin or projection (not shown) extends from the opposite side ofthe support component 761. In an alternative embodiment, the pin 765 mayextend through the support component 761 through an opening extendingfrom side-to-side. In another embodiment, each of the pins 765 isintegrally molded with the support component 761.

The base plate 720 includes several edge portions that define theopening 728 with only edge portions 726A and 726B illustrated for easeof reference in FIG. 30A. Edge portion 726A includes a positioningmechanism 729 as shown. The positioning mechanism 729 can be used tohold and retain the support component 761 in multiple different extendedpositions relative to the base plate 720. For example, the supportcomponent 761 can be moved a little distance outwardly from the baseplate 720 to prop the holder 700 and its associated electronic device ata more upright angle relative to a support surface. Alternatively, thesupport component 761 can be moved outwardly a farther distance to propthe holder 700 and its associated electronic device at a more reclinedangle relative to a support surface.

Referring to FIG. 30B, a close-up view of edge portion 726A of the baseplate 720 is illustrated. The base plate 720 includes a front or innersurface 727 and a rear or outer surface 725 between which the opening728 extends. The edge portion 726A includes an opening 731 formedtherein. The opening 731 is configured to receive the pin 765 and toallow the pin 765 to rotate, thereby rotatably supporting the supportcomponent 761.

The positioning mechanism 729 includes cooperating components on thebase plate 720 and the support component 761 that facilitate thepositioning of the support component 761 in several positions relativeto the base plate 720. In one embodiment, the support component 761includes a projection or nub that can engage one of several recessesformed on the base plate 720. In an alternative embodiment, the supportcomponent 761 includes a recess that can be engaged by one of severalnubs or projections formed on the base plate 720.

Referring to FIG. 30B, the support component 761 includes a nub orprojection 769 and the base plate 720 includes several recesses 733,735, and 737 formed therein. The recesses 733, 735, and 737 are formedto receive the projection 769 and positively retain the projection 769to hold the support component 761 in a particular extended positionrelative to the base plate 720. While three recesses 733, 735, and 737are illustrated, any quantity of recesses may be formed on edge portion726A.

When the pin 765 is inserted into opening 731, the support component 761can be rotated about pin 765 along the direction of arrow “AA” to anextended position and along the direction of arrow “AB” to a retractedposition. In this embodiment, recess 733 is located so that when nub 769engages the recess 733, the support component 761 is retained in itsretracted position relative to the base plate 720. The engagement of nub769 with recess 735 maintains the support component 761 in an extendedposition and the engagement of nub 769 with recess 737 maintains thesupport component 761 in a greater extended position relative to thebase plate 720.

Referring to FIGS. 30C and 30D, an alternative embodiment of apositioning mechanism is illustrated. Only a portion of the edge portion726A in this embodiment is illustrated for ease of reference. The edgeportion 726A of the base plate 720 includes a shoulder 745 that definesan opening 741 that is configured to receive a pin, such as pin 765, onthe support component 761. When pin 765 is inserted into opening 741,the support component 761 is rotatably mounted to the base plate 720.

The edge portion 726A also includes a positioning mechanism 739. In thisembodiment, the positioning mechanism 739 includes several notches orrecesses 743 formed therein that between them form teeth 747. Thenotches 743 and teeth 747 extend around the perimeter of the shoulder745. Similarly configured notches and teeth are formed on a side wall ofthe support component 761 and engageable with the notches 743 and teeth747 on the edge portion 726A. As a result, when the support component761 is rotated about pin 765 relative to the base plate 720, the teethand notches on each of the support component 761 and the edge portion726A engage each other and form a ratcheting mechanism that can be usedto retain the support component 761 in a particular position relative tothe base plate 720. In an alternative embodiment, the sets of notchesand teeth do not extend all of the way around the shoulder 745.

Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, an alternative embodiment of a holder isillustrated. In this embodiment, the holder 800 includes a body 810 thathas a back plate 820 with an edge 822 that defines an opening 824 (seeFIG. 32). The holder 810 includes a support or support portion 830 thatcan be placed in a retracted or collapsed configuration 832 and in anextended or deployed configuration 834. The support 830 can be used tosupport the holder 800 relative to a support surface 802.

In this embodiment, the support 830 includes a support component 840 anda linking component 860. The linking component can also be referred toas a support component. The support component 840 includes an edge 842that defines an opening 844 that extends through the support component840. The support component 840 includes a mounting end 846 that iscoupled to the body 810 by a pin (not shown) and an opposite contact end848 that is configured to engage a support surface 802. The contact end848 includes a recessed portion 849 that has a curved configuration.

The linking component 860 includes a body 861 that has an end 862 thatis pivotally coupled to the support component 840 by a pin 863. Theother end 864 of the linking component 860 includes two arms 870 and 880coupled thereto. Arm 870 includes an end 872 that is pivotally coupledto the body 861 and an opposite end 874 that is pivotally coupled to thebody 810 of the holder 810. Similarly, arm 880 includes ends 882 and884. End 882 is coupled at one end to the body 861 and at its other end884 to body 810 of the holder 800. The ends 874 and 884 of the arms 870and 880 are pivotally coupled to the body 810 and the arms 870 and 880pivot about their respective ends. When the linking component 860 isdisposed in its substantially horizontal position illustrated in FIG.32, the arms 870 and 880 are secured in place by grooves on the body 861and the linking component 860 maintains the support component 840 in aparticular position relative to the remainder of the body 810.

Referring to FIG. 33, an alternative embodiment of a holder isillustrated. In this embodiment, the holder 900 includes a body 910 witha plate 920 that has an edge 922 that defines an opening 924. The edge922 includes a side wall 930 that has a slot 932 formed therein withprojections. A corresponding slot (not shown) is formed in the side wall(not shown) that is opposite to side wall 930.

The holder 900 has a support 940 that can be used to support the holder900 relative to a support surface 902. The support 940 includes asupport component 950 that has a body 952 with opposite ends 954 and956. End 954 is pivotally coupled to the body 910 by a pin (not shown).End 956 is configured to engage a support surface 902 and may include acurved or recessed portion 958. The body 952 includes an edge 960 thatdefines an opening 962 within the body 952. In different embodiments,the size and configuration of the opening 962 can vary.

The support 940 includes an additional support component 970 that has abody 972 with opposite ends 974 and 976. End 974 is pivotally coupled tothe body 952 of support component 950 by a pin 990 that is insertedthrough openings formed in the support components 950 and 970. End 976is coupled to the body 910 of the holder 900 by a pin 995 that extendsthrough opening 978 of the support component 970 and into slot 932 inside wall 930 and the corresponding slot in the side wall opposite toside wall 930. The pin 995 can slide along the slots in the side wallsand is retained in particular positions in the slots based on frictionand the engagement of the pin 995 with the projections in the slots.

Referring to FIG. 33, in this embodiment, the body 952 of the supportmember 950 has an inner surface 953 that includes slots or grooves 955and 957 formed therein. The grooves 955 and 957 are configured toreceive the exposed portions of the pin 995 on opposite sides of thesupport component 970 when the support components 950 and 970 are movedto their retracted positions. As a result, support component 950 can bemoved to a retracted position within the body 910 of the case 900.

Referring to FIGS. 34-35, an embodiment of an attachment mechanism thatcan be used to couple a support to a surface, such as a surface of avehicle such as an automobile, a bicycle, etc. The attachment mechanism1100 is coupled to a surface 1150.

In one embodiment, the surface 1150 is a surface of a vehicle, such as adashboard for the vehicle. The attachment mechanism 1100 can integrallyformed with the surface 1150. Alternatively, the attachment mechanism1100 can be formed separately from the surface 1150 and coupled to thesurface 1150 using any conventional technique or component, such as anadhesive, friction fit, or a fastener or coupler.

The attachment mechanism 1100 includes a body 1110 with several innerwalls 1112, 1114, 1116, and 1118 that collectively define a receptacle1120. The receptacle 1120 can have any shape or configuration in variousembodiments. The body 1110 can be formed of molded plastic or similarmaterial.

As shown in FIG. 35, the distal end 526 of support component 520 can beinserted into the receptacle 1120. The distal end 526 can be retained inthe receptacle 1120 via friction. In an alternative embodiment, thedistal end 526 can be retained in the receptacle 1120 via a lockingmechanism, such as a cooperating set of a projection and a recess onopposite surfaces. When the support component 520 is inserted into thereceptacle 1120, the holder 300 with support component 520 is held inplace and supported relative to support surface 1150. If the frictionalcontact between the attachment mechanism 1100 and the support component520 is sufficient, the attachment mechanism 1100 can be oriented at anyangle and will still be able to hold and support the support component520 and its associated holder. Accordingly, a user can view and use theelectronic device held by holder 300 and supported relative to surface1150.

The surface 1150 can be any surface relative to which a user would liketo use the electronic device. In one embodiment, the surface 1150 can bea top or front of the dashboard surface in an automobile. In anotherembodiment, the surface 1150 can be a surface of a bicycle, motorcycle,stroller for infants, computer monitor, desk, table, article offurniture, briefcase or smaller piece of luggage. The attachmentmechanism 1100 can be molded plastic, formed metal or any other similarmaterial.

Referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, another embodiment of an attachmentmechanism is illustrated. In this embodiment, a surface relative towhich the electronic device can be used is illustrated as surface 1250.Similar to surface 1150, surface 1250 can be any type of surface. Thesurface 1250 includes an attachment mechanism 1200. In one embodiment,the attachment mechanism 1200 includes a nub or protrusion 1210 that isintegrally formed with the surface 1250 and extends outwardly from thesurface 1250. In an alternative embodiment, the hub or protrusion 1210is separately formed and subsequently coupled to the surface 1250 usingany conventional technique, such as an adhesive. The nub 1210 can bemolded plastic or any other similar material.

Referring to FIG. 37, the arrangement of the support component 520relative to the surface 1250 is illustrated. In this embodiment, thesupport component 520 has an outer surface 530 and an inner surface 532.The outer surface 530 includes a recess 567 that is defined by a surface565. The recess 567 is sized to receive the nub 1210 and eliminatemovement of the support component 520 along the directions of arrows“AD.” The engagement of the hub 1210 with the recess 567 maintains thesupport component 520 and its associated holder in a fixed positionrelative to the surface 1250. Accordingly, a user can view and use theelectronic device held by holder 300 and supported relative to surface1250.

Referring to FIG. 38, a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a systemis illustrated. In this embodiment, the system 1300 includes a holder1310 to which an electronic device 1320 can be coupled. The holder 1310includes a support (not shown) that can be repositioned relative to theholder 1310 to support the holder 1310 and the electronic device 1320 atvarious angles relative to a support surface.

A mounting structure 1330 can be used with the holder 1310 to mount theholder 1310 to an object 1360. For example, a user may want to mount theholder 1310 to an object 1360 proximate to the user, such as an articleof clothing or an accessory such as a belt. The mounting structure 1330includes a coupling portion 1340 that couples the holder 1310 to themounting structure 1330 and a mounting portion 1350 that mounts themounting structure 1330 to the object 1360. While one embodiment of amounting structure is illustrated in FIG. 39, in different embodiments,the mounting structure may have different configurations and features.

Referring to FIG. 39, the holder 1400 includes a body 1410 to which anelectronic device 1450 can be coupled using coupling members 1412, 1414,and 1416. The holder 1400 includes a repositionable or reconfigurablesupport 1430 that can be used to support the holder 1400 relative to asupport surface. The support 1430 is movable relative to the base plate1420 and includes support component 1432 and support component 1434 thatare coupled together and movable relative to each other. In thisembodiment, one of the support components 1432 and 1434 includes anopening 1440 formed therein. The opening 1440 can extend through theparticular support component, which in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 39, is support component 1434.

Also illustrated is an embodiment of a mounting structure 1460 that canbe used to mount the holder 1400 to an object such as a belt, article ofclothing, or other structure. The mounting structure 1460 includes abody 1470 with opposite surfaces or sides 1472 and 1474. Coupled to side1472 is a mounting portion or clip 1480 that is configured to be used tomount the body 1470 to the object. The mounting portion 1480 has acoupled end 1482 and a free end 1484. In this embodiment, the mountingportion 1480 is a resilient arm that is coupled to the body 1470. Theresilient arm may be made of plastic or molded rubber. The free end 1484can be moved relative to surface 1472 so that the object, such as abelt, can be inserted between the mounting portion 1480 and the body1470. In an alternative embodiment, the mounting portion 1480 can be apivotally mounted arm that is biased into a closed position via abiasing member, such as a spring. The free end of the pivotally mountedarm can be moved away from the body 1470 to accommodate the object andreleased to mount the mounting structure 1460 to the object. The free ofthe mounting portion 1480 can be moved away from the body 1470 again sothat the object can be removed.

The mounting structure 1460 also includes a coupling portion 1490 thatis located proximate to surface 1474 of the body 1470. The couplingportion 1490 includes a projection or protrusion 1492 that can beinserted or snapped into opening 1440 of support 1430 to couple theholder 1400 to the mounting structure 1460. In other embodiments, thepositions of the projection 1492 and the opening 1440 can be reversedand the configuration and location of the coupling portion 1490 andopening 1440 can vary provided that a positive engagement between thecoupling portion 1490 and the holder 1400 is achieved. In still otherembodiments, projection 1492 and opening 1440 can be replaced by hookand loop fasteners. The coupling portion 1490 is configured to allow forthe adjustment of the holder 1400 and the electronic device 1450 coupledthereto by the user, such as by spinning the holder 1400 to a desiredorientation or position.

In one embodiment, the portions or components of the mounting structure1460 can be integrally formed. In other embodiments, the portions orcomponents of the mounting structure 1460 can be formed separately andsubsequently coupled to each other.

In alternative embodiments, a holder may include multiple supports orsupport portions. In other embodiments, the configuration of thecoupling mechanism of the holder, which couples the holder to anelectronic device, can vary.

Referring to FIG. 40, a holder 1900 may include a cord management systemor mechanism 1910 that can be used to retain a cord 1922 coupled to anelectronic device 1920 that is engaged with the holder 1900. In oneembodiment, the cord management system 1910 includes a single, fixedengagement member that is coupled to or otherwise forms part of theholder 1900. The cord can be repeatedly wrapped around the fixedengagement member and the plug connected to the cord that is insertedinto a jack or port on the electronic device 1920. In anotherembodiment, the cord management system or mechanism 1910 includes morethan one fixed engagement member, such as two fixed engagement members,around which the cord 1922 can be wrapped alternately.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 40, the cord management system 1910 canbe repositionable, such as being movable from a first position 1912 to asecond position 1914. The repositionable member can be referred to as anextendable member. The movement can occur by sliding or translating,rotating or pivoting, flipping. For example, the cord management system1910 may be movable relative to the holder 1900 between a retracted orfirst position and a second or extended position. In the retractedposition, the cord management system 1910 may be disposed within theholder 1900 and not engageable by the cord 1922. In one embodiment, thecord management system 1910 includes an engagement member that ismovably coupled or mounted to the holder 1900. The engagement member canbe slidably and/or rotatably mounted to the holder 1900 such that a usercan wrap a cord around the engagement member when it is extended andaround the plug. In another embodiment, the cord management system 1910of the holder 1900 may include multiple, extendable engagement membersaround which the cord can be wrapped.

Referring to FIGS. 40A and 40B, an exemplary implementation of wrappingthe cord is illustrated. In this implementation, an electronic device9700 includes a housing 9705 with a display or screen 9710 and has aholder 9800 coupled thereto via one or more coupling portions 9810,9812, 9814, and 9816. Headphones or speakers 9730 and 9735 are connectedto a cord or wire 9725 which is connected to a plug 9720 that isinserted into a port or jack on the device 9700. When the user does notwant to use the headphones 9730 and 9735 any more, the cord managementsystem of the holder 9800 can be used to wrap the cord to reduce thelength that it extends from the device 9700 and the holder 9800.

Referring to FIG. 40B, an exemplary cord management system or mechanism9820 is illustrated. Cord management system 9820 has the basic featurethat when it is not in use, the system 9820 does not protrude from orinterfere with the use of the device 9700 and the holder 9800 by theuser. However, the system 9820 can be moved or reconfigured so that itcan be engaged by the cord 9725 when desired in a manner consistent withthis disclosure. In this embodiment, the system 9820 includes anextendable member 9822 that can be moved outwardly from the holder 9800.For example, the member 9822 can be moved along the direction of arrow“BQ” to an extended or deployed position.

The cord 9725 can then be moved along the direction of arrow “BR” aroundmember 9822 along the direction of arrow “BS” and then around the plug9720 along the direction of arrow “BT.” The alternate wrapping of thecord 9725 around the member 9822 and the plug 9720 can be repeated untilthe unwrapped portion of the cord 9725 is short enough to permit theheadphones 9730 and 9735 to be tucked underneath one or more of thewrapped portions of the cord 9725, or left dangling.

In an alternative embodiment, the engageable or extendable member 9822may include a slot or other securing portion that can be used to secureor tie-off the cord 9725.

Referring to FIGS. 41A and 41B, perspective views of another embodimentof a case or holder according to the invention is illustrated. In thisembodiment, the holder 2000 includes a body or base 2010 that is moldedusing a plastic material. In an alternative embodiment, the base 2010 ofthe holder 2000 can be formed of metal or a combination of materialsthat could include fabric, or rubber. The body or base 2010 can bereferred to alternatively as a mounting portion.

The body 2010 has opposite ends 2016 and 2018 and opposite sides 2020and 2022. The body 2010 includes a rear plate or base plate 2011 thathas an inner surface 2012 (see FIG. 41B) and an outer or rear surface2014 (see FIG. 41A). The inner surface 2012 and the outer surface 2014of the plate 2011 define a thickness therebetween. As shown in FIG. 41A,the plate 2011 includes an edge 2090 that defines an opening 2092 thatis aligned with a camera eye or opening on the electronic device coupledto the holder 2000.

The body 2010 has several notches or openings located along itsperimeter. Proximate to end 2018, the body 2010 includes an edge 2080that defines a notch or open area 2082 that provides access to one ormore features or ports on the electronic device coupled to the holder2000. Similarly, proximate to end 2016, the body 2010 includes an edge2070 that defines a notch or open area 2072 that provides access to oneor more features or ports on the electronic device. Also, the body 2010includes an edge 2110 along part of the side 2020 that defines a notchor open area 2112.

The body 2010 also includes a wrist strap mounting opening 2102 that isdefined by edge or wall 2100 as shown in FIGS. 41A and 41B. An end 2108of a wrist strap 2106 can be inserted into the opening 2102 and loopedaround itself to couple the wrist strap 2106 to the holder 2000. As bestshown in FIG. 49, the body 2010 includes a recessed portion 2104 thathas a thickness less than that of the body 2010. The recessed portion2104 permits a strap to be coupled to the holder 2000 via the opening2102 and not interfere with the electronic device coupled to the holder2000. Thus, the strap can be wrapped around the recessed portion 2104and not prevent the electronic device from being coupled to the holder2000.

The case 2000 also includes a coupling mechanism 2029 that can be usedto couple the case 2000 to an electronic device. The coupling mechanism2029 is a releasable coupling mechanism so that a user can easily removethe case 2000 from the electronic device when desired. The couplingmechanism 2029 includes at least one coupling member. In thisembodiment, the coupling mechanism 2029 includes coupling members 2030,2040, 2050, and 2060, each of which is located near a corner of the case2000 and a corner of the electronic device.

As shown, coupling member 2030 has a length that extends to an outeredge 2032. The coupling member 2030 has a curved configuration thatcurves around an edge of an electronic device. The edge 2032 is locatedproximate to the front surface of the electronic device, but does notcover any of the front surfaces in a manner similar to coupling member366 described above. As a result, the coupling member 2030 providesprotection for the electronic device by being located in the cornerarea. Coupling members 2040, 2050, and 2060 are similarly configured tocoupling member 2030 and have edges 2042, 2052, and 2062, respectively,that are configured similar to edge 2032.

Referring to FIGS. 41A and 41B, the body 2010 also includes an opening2017 into which an attachment mechanism can be inserted or otherwisefitted into from the inner surface 2012 or from the outer surface 2014,to enable a mounting structure to be coupled to the body 2010, in amanner similar to that described above with respect to FIGS. 38 and 39.In one embodiment, partially shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the attachmentmechanism can be a snap mechanism that snaps into the body of the case,or alternatively faces away from the body of the case to snap into amounting structure. In another embodiment, not shown, the attachmentmechanism can be slid into a slot formed in that inner sidewall that isopposite to side wall 2120 with respect to opening 2132.

Referring to FIGS. 42-45, the holder 2000 is illustrated in deployedconfigurations. The holder 2000 is shown in a deployed configuration ina first orientation in FIGS. 42 and 43. The holder 2000 is also shown ina deployed configuration in a second orientation in FIGS. 44 and 45 thatis different than the first orientation.

As shown in FIGS. 41A-45, the holder 2000 includes a support or supportportion 2200 coupled to the body 2010. The support 2200 can be referredto alternatively as a stand or kickstand assembly. The support 2200 isconfigured to be used to support the body 2010 at one or moreorientations relative to a support surface. The support 2200 is shown ina retracted configuration 2210 in FIGS. 41A and 41B. The support 2200 isshown in a first deployed configuration and orientation 2212 in FIGS. 42and 43. The support 2200 is shown in a second deployed configuration andorientation 2214 in FIGS. 44-45.

In this embodiment, the support 2200 has an outer surface 2202 (see FIG.40) and an inner surface 2204 (see FIG. 41). The support 2200 includestwo support components 2230 and 2350. As discussed in detail below,support component 2230 is coupled to the body 2010 and to supportcomponent 2350 and the support component 2350 is coupled to the body2010 and to support component 2230. The support 2200 is illustrated in aretracted or collapsed configuration in FIGS. 41A-41B.

Referring to FIGS. 44, 45, and 47, the plate 2011 includes edges orwalls that collectively define an opening 2132. In this embodiment, theopening 2132 is substantially centrally located on the plate 2011.However, in other embodiments, the opening 2132 may be offset along theplate 2011 and may have a different shape or configuration than opening2132.

Opening 2132 is defined by side wall 2120 (see FIG. 44), side wall 2122(see FIG. 47), end wall 2134 (see FIG. 47), and connector 2026 (see FIG.44). The body 2010 of the holder 2000 includes a positioning mechanismthat includes slots formed in side walls of the body 2010. As shown,side wall 2120 includes a slot 2124 with opposite ends 2127A and 2127Band a surface that includes several projections or ridges 2128 formed onthe upper and lower portions of the surface. Each of the projections orridges 2128 defines a position for a pin or connector coupled to thesupport portion 2000 and as a result, defines a position for the support2000. As shown, more than three positions for the support 2000 aredefined by the quantity of the ridges 2128. In other embodiments, theprojections or ridges 2128 may be of a different shape, size, materialor frequency, may not have visible shapes, or may only be on one of theupper or lower surfaces.

As shown in FIG. 41B, the components 2230 and 2350 are visible andaccessible from the inner side of the case 2000. When the supportcomponents 2230 and 2350 are moved to their collapsed or retractedpositions, the support components 2230 and 2350 are substantiallycoextensive with the opening 2132 in the plate 2011 of the body 2010.The support components 2230 and 2350 are sized and configured tocollectively mate with the opening 2132.

Referring to FIGS. 43 and 44, support component 2230 includes a body2231 with a first end 2232 that is pivotally coupled to the plate 2011and an opposite, second end 2234. The body 2231 includes an innersurface 2238 and an outer surface 2236 that engages a support surfacewhen the holder 2000 is in use. The outer surface 2236 forms a contactsurface or area that engages a support surface and is used for support.In this embodiment, the portion of the outer surface 2236 that engagesthe support surface varies depending on the orientation of the holder2200. For example, in the orientation shown in FIG. 42, the engagementportion or surface 2240 of the component 2230 that contacts a supportsurface is close to the distal tip of the end 2234 of the component2230. The holder 2000 and the device coupled thereto can be flipped over180.degree. to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 44. Thus, theholder 2000 and the device can be placed in an upside down orientationand in a right-side-up orientation. In the orientation shown in FIG. 44,the engagement portion or surface 2242 of the component 2230 thatcontact a support surface is on the curved portion of the end 2234 ofthe component 2230. Accordingly, different surfaces and portions of thecomponent 2230 can be used to engage a support surface depending on theorientation of the holder 2000.

As shown in FIG. 43B, component 2230 includes an opening 2280 formedproximate to end 2232. Referring to FIG. 43, a connector 2244, such as apin, is inserted through opening 2280 to mount component 2230 to thebody 2010 of the holder 2000. Referring to FIG. 47, on opposite sides ofthe opening 2132, the body 2010 includes pairs of tapered surfaces 2136and 2140 that lead to grooves or slots 2138 and 2142, respectively.After the connector 2244 is inserted into the component 2230, theconnector 2244 can be engaged with the tapered surfaces 2136 and 2140and pressed into the slots 2138 and 2142.

Referring to FIG. 44, component 2230 includes a coupling portion 2250that is used to engage the body 2010 of the holder 2000 and retaincomponent 2230 in its retracted position shown in FIG. 41B. As shown,the outer surface of component 2230 is flush with the outer surface ofthe body 2010 when the component 2230 is in its retracted position.

As shown in FIG. 44, the coupling portion 2250 includes a surface 2252that defines a recessed area 2254 so that the end portion 2234 of thecomponent 2230 has a smaller thickness as compared to the rest of thecomponent 2230. A distal edge or tip 2256 includes projections 2258 and2260 spaced apart from each other and located therealong. Referring toFIGS. 44 and 45, the connector 2026 that is coupled to the body 2010 ofthe holder 2000 has a thickness that is less than the thickness of thebody 2010. In addition, the connector 2026 is spaced apart from theouter surface of the body 2010. When component 2230 is moved to itsretracted position, the distal edge 2256 and projections 2258 and 2260slide over the connector 2026 and move until the connector 2026 engagesthe recessed area 2254 of the component 2230. In this position, theprojections 2258 and 2260 engage the notches 2027A and 2027B formed inthe connector 2026 (see FIG. 45). The engagement of these projectionsand notches and the curved configuration of the coupling portion 2250cooperate to retain component 2230 in its retracted position until asufficient force is applied to the component 2230 to overcome theengagement with the connector 2026.

As mentioned above, the support 2200 also includes a second component2350. Referring to FIG. 43A, component 2350 includes opposite ends 2352and 2354 with an extending portion 2356 at end 2352. In this embodiment,the extending portion 2356 does not extend the width of component 2350.This reduced width facilitates the mounting of component 2350 tocomponent 2230. Component 2350 includes openings 2358 and 2360 extendingtherethrough proximate to ends 2352 and 2354, respectively. A connector,such as a pin, can be inserted into opening 2358 to couple component2350 to component 2230 and define an axis 2362. Similarly, a connector,such as a pin, can be inserted into opening 2360 to couple component2350 to the body 2010 via slot 2124 and define an axis 2364. Component2350 also includes tapered surfaces 2366 and 2368 that facilitate therepositioning of components 2230 and 2350 by providing clearance.

Referring to FIG. 44, in this embodiment, component 2230 includes areceptacle 2278 formed in part of its inner surface. In particular,walls 2270, 2272, and 2274 and lower surface 2276 collectively form thereceptacle 2278 into which component 2350 can be placed when thecomponents 2230 and 2350 are moved to their retracted positions. Thereceptacle 2278 permits the smaller component 2350 to be placed withinthe larger component 2230, and in fact, within the profile of the largercomponent 2230. As a result, neither component 2230 or 2350 interfereswith the electronic device that is coupled to the holder 2000 when theholder 2000 is in its collapsed configuration. In addition, bothcomponents 2230 and 2350 are within the thickness or the profile of theholder 2000 as shown in FIGS. 41A and 41B.

Referring to FIG. 42, a user can grasp the distal end of component 2230and pull along the direction of arrow “P” with sufficient force toovercome the engagement of component 2230 with connector 2026. Ascomponent 2230 rotates or pivots about axis 2201 defined by a pin,component 2350 rotates relative to component 2230 about the connectorthat defines axis 2362 (see FIG. 43A). At the same time, the pindefining axis 2364 slides along the direction of arrow “Q” in FIG. 43 inthe slot 2124. The pin can be retained in a particular desired positionby the ridges 2128 (see FIG. 44) extending into the slot 2124. The anglebetween the particular engagement surface of component 2230 and the body2010 can be adjusted as desired. As shown in FIG. 44, component 2230 canbe moved along the directions of arrow “R.”

As shown in FIG. 46, holder 2000 includes a wire or cord holdingmechanism 2149. An exemplary electronic device 2400 is illustrated asbeing coupled to the body 2010 of the holder 2000. The wire holdingmechanism 2149 can be used to hold, retain or tie-off the wire 2412 ofheadphones 2414 and 2416 that are connected to the device 2400 toprevent the wire 2412 and headphones 2414 and 2416 from being entangledor caught on another object. The wire holding mechanism 2149 includes anextendable member 2150 that is movably coupled to the body 2010 of theholder 2000. The wire 2412 can extend from the plug 2410 that is pluggedinto the device 2400 and can be wrapped around the extendable member2150 and the plug 2410 repeatedly until the wire 2412 is a desiredlength to be slid into an opening or notch formed on extendable member2150 or otherwise be tucked under the wrapped cord. As a result, thewire 2412 is prevent from hanging loose from the device 2400 and theheadphones 2414 and 2416 are maintained proximate to the holder 2000 anddevice 2400.

Referring to FIG. 43, the extendable member 2150 is illustrated in itsretracted position 2151A in which the member 2150 is located within theprofile of the holder 2000. Referring to FIG. 45, the member 2150 can bepulled along the direction of arrow “T” to its extended position 2151B.In this position 2151B, the extendable member 2150 can be used toreceive and manage the headphone cord or wire 2414.

Referring to FIGS. 47-49, the body 2010 includes a side wall 2144 thatdefines an opening 2145 proximate to end 2016. Guides 2146A and 2146Bextend into the opening 2145 from opposite side walls. Guide 2146Bincludes a coupling mechanism 2147 that is used to keep the extendablemember 2150 coupled to the body 2010. The coupling mechanism 2147includes a recessed portion 2148A and a projection 2148B that is engagedby the extendable member 2150.

Referring to FIGS. 50-52, the extendable member 2150 is illustrated indetail. In this embodiment, the extendable member 2150 includes a body2152 with opposite sides 2153 and 2155 that slide along the oppositewalls defining the opening 2145 in the body 2010. The body 2152 has aninner surface 2154 directed inwardly toward the electronic device and anouter surface 2156. The outer surface 2156 has a tapered or curvedconfiguration that matches the tapered or curved configuration of theouter surface of the body 2010 of the holder 2000 when the extendablemember 2150 is in its retracted position 2151A. The outer surface 2156includes a small surface 2157A that defines a recess or recessed portion2157B that can be engaged by a finger of a user to move the extendablemember 2150 relative to the body 2010 (see FIG. 50). The recess 2157Bprovides an additional gripping or grasping surface that can be used bythe user. The body 2152 of the extendable member 2150 also includesopposite ends 2158 and 2160 as shown in FIG. 52.

As shown in FIG. 52, on side 2153 of the body 2152, there are twoportions 2162 and 2164 that have inner surfaces that define a groove orslot 2165 therebetween. The portions 2162 and 2164 have projections ortabs 2163A and 2163B that extend into the slot 2165. The projections2163A and 2163B slide along the surface of guide 2146B.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 51, on side 2155 of the body 2152, there aretwo portions 2166 and 2168 that have inner surfaces that define a grooveor slot 2169. Projections (only projection 2167 is shown) are formed onportions 2166 and 2168 and extend into the slot 2169 to provide asurface that frictionally engages the guide 2146B on the body 2010 ofthe holder 2000 and engage the coupling mechanism 2147, which keeps theextendable member 2150 coupled to the body 2010.

Referring to FIG. 51, the body 2152 includes notches or grooves 2176 and2178 formed in opposite sides of the body 2152. As discussed above, thewire or cord connected to headphones can be wrapped around theextendable member 2150. Initially when wrapping the wire, the wire canbe engaged with the notch 2178 as the wire is wrapped around the member2150. In an alternative embodiment, only notch 2178 is formed in thebody 2152.

As shown in FIGS. 50-52, the extendable member 2150 includes a wiretie-off feature or mechanism 2170. This mechanism 2170 includes a wall2172 that defines a recess 2174 formed in the side 2153 of the body2152. When the wire has been sufficiently wrapped around the extendablemember 2150, the friction of the wire with the wall 2172 keeps the wireretained in the recess 2174 until a sufficient force is applied to thewire to pull it out of the recess 2174.

Referring to FIG. 52A, another embodiment of a holder according to theinvention is illustrated. In this embodiment, holder 9500 includes abody 9510 that has an outer surface 9512 and opposite ends. A supportportion 9530 is coupled to body 9510 and can be used to prop up theholder 9500 and an electronic device coupled thereto in a particularangle relative to a support surface. The holder body 9510 also includeswalls 9540 and 9550 that define receptacles 9542 and 9552, respectively.

The holder 9500 includes a cord management system 9560 as well. In thisembodiment, the cord management system 9560 includes engagement members9570 and 9580 that are slidably mounted to the body 9510 in receptacles9542 and 9552, respectively. Engagement members 9570 and 9580 includefinger engaging recesses 9571 and 9581, respectively, and can be movedalong the directions of arrows “BO” and “BP” from retracted positions toextended or deployed positions. In this embodiment, each member 9570 and9580 includes a tie-off slot 9576 or 9586. In other embodiments, themembers 9570 and 9580 can be located elsewhere, can tie-off the cord bya means other than a slot shape, or not include a slot 9576 and 9586. Acord (not shown) that is connected to an electronic device coupled toholder 9500 can be wrapped alternately around engagement members 9570and 9580.

Referring to FIGS. 53-57, another embodiment of a case or holderaccording to the invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, theholder 3000 includes a body or base 3010 that is molded using a plasticmaterial. In an alternative embodiment, the base 3010 of the holder 3000can be formed of metal or a combination of materials that could includefabric, or rubber. The body or base 3010 can be referred toalternatively as a mounting portion.

The body 3010 has opposite ends 3016 and 3018 and opposite sides 3020and 3022. The body 3010 includes a rear plate or base plate 3011 thathas an inner surface 3012 and an outer surface 3014. The inner surface3012 and the outer surface 3014 of the plate 3011 define a thicknesstherebetween. As shown in FIG. 54, the plate 3011 includes an edge 3050that defines an opening 3052 that is aligned with a feature on theelectronic device coupled to the holder 3000.

In this embodiment, the body 3010 has a plate 3024 located proximate toend 3016. The plate 3024 includes an edge 3026 that defines a notch oropening 3028 that can receive a wrist strap that is inserted into theopening 3028. An end of a wrist strap (not shown) can be inserted intothe opening and looped around itself to couple the wrist strap to theholder 3000. The plate 3024 is offset from the portion of the holder3000 to which the electronic device is coupled. As a result, any strapcoupled to the plate 3024 does not interfere with the electronic device.

The case 3000 also includes a coupling mechanism 3029 that can be usedto couple the case 3000 to an electronic device. The coupling mechanism3029 is a releasable coupling mechanism so that a user can easily removethe case 3000 from the electronic device when desired. The couplingmechanism 3029 includes at least one coupling member. In thisembodiment, the coupling mechanism 3029 includes coupling members 3030and 3040 located on opposite sides of the holder 3000.

Referring to FIG. 55, coupling member 3030 extends to an outer edge 3032and coupling member 3040 extends to an outer edge 3042. Each of thecoupling members 3030 and 3040 has a curved configuration that curvesaround an edge of an electronic device. The edges 3032 and 3042 arelocated proximate to the front surface of the electronic device, but donot cover any of the front surface in a manner similar to couplingmember 366 described above.

Referring to FIGS. 53 and 54, the holder 3000 is illustrated in acollapsed or retracted configuration. In FIG. 57, the holder 3000 isshown in a deployed configuration. The holder 3000 includes a support orsupport portion 3100 coupled to the body 3010. The support 3100 isconfigured to be used to support the body 3010 at one or moreorientations relative to a support surface. The support 3100 is shown ina retracted configuration 3110 in FIGS. 53 and 54 and in a deployedconfiguration 3112 in FIG. 57.

In this embodiment, the support 3100 includes two support components3130 and 3200. Support component 3130 is coupled to the body 3010 and tosupport component 3200 and support component 3200 is coupled to the body3010 and to support component 3130 in a manner similar to that describedabove with respect to holder 2000.

Referring to FIG. 57, the plate 3011 includes edges or walls thatcollectively define an opening 3070. In this embodiment, the opening3070 is offset toward end 3018 of the body 3010. Opening 3070 is definedby side walls 3060 and 3062 and end wall 3068. The body 3010 of theholder 3000 includes a positioning mechanism that includes slots formedin side walls of the body 3010. As shown, side wall 3060 includes a slot3064 with opposite ends and a surface that includes several projectionsor ridges 3066 formed on the upper and lower portions of the surface.Each of the projections or ridges 3066 defines a position for a pin orconnector coupled to the support portion 3100 and as a result, defines aposition for the support 3100. As shown, more than three positions forthe support 3100 are defined by the quantity of the ridges 3066.

When the support components 3130 and 3200 are moved to their collapsedor retracted positions, the support components 3130 and 3200 aresubstantially coextensive with the opening 3070 in the plate 3011 of thebody 3010. The support components 3130 and 3200 are sized and configuredto collectively mate with the opening 3070.

Referring to FIG. 57, support component 3130 includes a body 3131 with afirst end 3134 that is pivotally coupled to the plate 3011 and anopposite, second end 3132. The body 3131 includes an outer surface 3136that engages a support surface when the holder 3000 is in use. The outersurface 3136 forms a contact surface or area that engages a supportsurface and is used for support. In the configuration and orientationillustrated in FIG. 57, the engagement portion or surface 3138 of thecomponent 3130 that contacts a support surface is close to the distaltip of the end 3132 of the component 3130. The holder 3000 and thedevice coupled thereto can be flipped over 180.degree. to an inverseconfiguration. In the orientation shown in FIG. 57, the engagementportion or surface 3138 of the component 3130 that contacts a supportsurface is on the curved portion of the end 3132 of the component 3130.

Support component 3130 also includes a wall 3140 with several sectionsthat collectively define a receptacle 3142. The receptacle 3142 is sizedand configured to receive support component 3200 therein when thecomponents 3130 and 3200 are in their collapsed or retracted positionsshown in FIGS. 53 and 54.

Component 3200 can be configured substantially similar to component2230, which was described above. Component 3200 includes a body 3201with opposite ends 3202 and 3204 and openings (only opening 3206 shownin FIG. 57) proximate to the ends 3202 and 3204. A connector 3208, suchas a pin, is inserted through opening 3206 to movably couple component3200 to the body 3010 of the holder 3000 via slot 3064.

Referring to FIG. 57, a user can grasp the distal end of component 3130and pull along the direction of arrow “X” about axis 3150 withsufficient force to move the component 3130 relative to the body 3010.As component 3130 rotates or pivots about axis 3150 defined by a pin,component 3200 rotates relative to component 3130 about the connectordefining the axis 3210. At the same time, the pin 3208 slides along thedirection of arrow “Y” in FIG. 57 in the slot 3064. The pin 3208 can beretained in a particular desired position by the ridges 3066 extendinginto the slot 3064. The angle between the particular engagement surfaceof component 3130 and the body 3010 can be adjusted as desired. Thesupport components 3130 and 3200 can be moved in the directions oppositeto arrows “X” and “Y” to move from their deployed positions to theirretracted positions.

Referring to FIGS. 53-56, holder 3000 includes a cord holding ormanagement mechanism 3250. The mechanism 3250 can be used to hold,retain or tie-off the headphone cord that is connected to the electronicdevice to prevent the cord and headphones from being entangled or caughton another object. The body 3010 includes an edge or surface 3080 thatdefines a receiving area 3082.

Referring to FIGS. 55 and 56, a cross-sectional view of the componentsof holder 3000 is illustrated. The mechanism 3250 includes a plate 3260that is coupled to a membrane 3300 that is connected to the body 3010.In one embodiment, the membrane 3300 is made of a stretchy rubbermaterial. The plate 3260 includes an outer surface 3262 and an edge 3264that defines a perimeter 3266 of the plate 3260. Along its innersurface, the plate 3260 includes a mounting portion 3268 that has anedge 3270. The mounting portion 3268 and in particular, the edge 3270,is coupled to a flexible, resilient membrane 3300. The membrane 3300 hasa body portion 3310 with an outer edge 3312 that defines a perimeter3314. The membrane 3300 includes an inner surface 3316 and an outersurface 3318 (see FIG. 55). The outer edge 3312 of the membrane 3300 ismated with a groove or recess 3023 that is formed in the body 3010 andthat extends around the receiving area 3082. The membrane 3300 can becoupled to the body 3010 and to the plate 3260 via an adhesive.Alternatively, the membrane 3300 can be coupled to the body 3010 and/orto the plate 3260 by co-molding, snap-fit insertion, or other means offixedly attaching.

Referring to FIGS. 53-56, the use of the cord management system 3250 isdescribed. In this embodiment, a user can wrap a cord that is connectedto the electronic device around the cord management system 3250 toenable storage of the cord. While the cord is still connected to theelectronic device coupled to the holder 3000, the user can insert aportion of the cord along the arrow “Z” in FIG. 53 into the receivingarea 3082 between the plate 3260 and the body 3010. The user wraps thecord around the mounting portion 3268 of the plate 3260 around axis 3320along the arrow “V” in FIG. 55. As more of the cord is wrapped aroundthe mounting portion 3268, the cord forces the plate 3260 to move fromits retracted position 3252 shown in FIGS. 53 and 55 to its raised ordeployed position 3254 shown in FIGS. 54 and 56. This movement of theplate 3260 occurs because the cord fills up the receiving area 3082 andcontinues to engage the plate 3260. Due to the resilient, yet flexible,characteristics of the membrane 3300, the plate 3260 can move away fromthe body 3010 and when the cord is unwound or removed, the plate 3260 ismoved back to its retracted position.

In an alternative embodiment, the membrane 3300 can be replaced by amechanical coupler or coupling mechanism that mounts the plate 3260relative to the body 3010 of the holder and provides a surface aroundwhich a cord can be wrapped. The coupling mechanism can include one ormore members that are pivotally and/or slidably coupled to the plate3260 and the body 3010.

Referring to FIG. 58, a schematic block diagram of an exemplary use of aholder according to the invention is illustrated. As shown, a holder4500 includes an electronic device 4520 coupled thereto. The holder 4500has a support or support portion 4510 that can be used to mount theholder 4500 and electronic device 4520 in multiple ways. In oneembodiment, the support 4510 can be placed in a retracted position orconfiguration and in an extended or deployed position or configuration.The support 4510 is configured to engage a support surface 4530 on whichthe holder 4500 may be placed to prop or maintain the support 4510 in aparticular orientation relative to the support surface.

Alternatively, the support 4510 can engage a coupler 4540 to mount thesupport 4510 and holder 4500 to a support member 4550 that can be used,worn, carried or otherwise transported by a person 4560. In oneembodiment, the coupler 4540 can include a receptacle that receives atleast a portion of the support 4510. In another embodiment the supportmember 4550 can be integrally formed with coupler 4540.

In this embodiment, a support or support portion 4510 can be used forcord management in that a cord coupled to device 4520 can be wrappedaround part of the support 4510, or around the combination of coupler4540 and support 4510, or around the combination of coupler 4540,support 4510 and support member 4550.

Referring to FIGS. 59A-63, another embodiment of a holder according tothe invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the holder 4000includes a body or base 4010 that is molded using a plastic material.The body 4010 has opposite ends 4016 and 4018 and opposite sides 4020and 4022. The body 4010 includes a rear plate or base plate 4011 thathas an inner surface 4012 and an outer surface 4014. A guide plate 4023extends from the inner surface 4012 as shown in FIGS. 62 and 63. Theinner surface 4012 and the outer surface 4014 of the plate 4011 define athickness therebetween. As shown in FIG. 59B, the plate 4011 includes anedge 4050 that defines an opening 4052 that is aligned with a feature onthe electronic device coupled to the holder 4000.

The case 4000 also includes a coupling mechanism 4029 that can be usedto couple the case 4000 to an electronic device. The coupling mechanism4029 is a releasable coupling mechanism so that a user can easily removethe case 4000 from the electronic device when desired. The couplingmechanism 4029 includes at least one coupling member. In thisembodiment, the coupling mechanism 4029 includes coupling members 4030and 4040 located on opposite sides of the holder 4000.

Referring to FIGS. 59B and 63, coupling member 4030 extends to an outeredge 4032 and coupling member 4040 extends to an outer edge 4042. Eachof the coupling members 4030 and 4040 has a curved configuration thatcurves around an edge of an electronic device. The edges 4032 and 4042are located proximate to the front surface of the electronic device, butdo not cover any of the front surface in a manner similar to couplingmember 366 described above.

The holder 4000 includes a support or support portion 4100 coupled tothe body 4010. The support 4100 is configured to be used to support thebody 4010 at one or more orientations relative to a support surface.Referring to FIGS. 59A and 59B, the holder 4000 and the support 4100 areillustrated in a collapsed or retracted configuration 4110. In FIGS.60-62, the holder 4000 and the support 4100 are shown in deployedconfigurations 4112. Another deployed configuration 4113 is illustratedin FIG. 61. Another deployed configuration 4114 of the support 4100 andthe holder 4000 is illustrated in FIG. 63.

In this embodiment, the support 4100 includes two support components4130 and 4200. Support component 4130 is engageable with the body 4010and coupled to support component 4200 and support component 4200 iscoupled to the body 4010 and to support component 4130. As shown inFIGS. 59A and 63, the body 4010 includes a surface 4080 to forms arecessed area 4082 that permits a user to insert a finger beneath anedge of the support component 4130 to move it relative to the holder4000.

Referring to FIG. 63, the plate 4011 includes several surfaces,including surface 4084, that collectively define an opening orreceptacle 4086. When the support components 4130 and 4200 are moved totheir collapsed or retracted positions, the support components 4130 and4200 are substantially coextensive with the opening 4086 in the plate4011 of the body 4010. The support components 4130 and 4200 are sizedand configured to collectively mate with the opening 4086.

Referring to FIGS. 61 and 63, support component 4130 includes a body4131 with opposite ends 4132 and 4134 and opposite sides 4136 and 4138.The body 4131 includes an inner surface 4140 and an outer surface 4142that engages a support surface when the holder 4000 is in use. The outersurface 4142 forms a contact surface or area that engages a supportsurface and is used for support. In the configuration and orientationillustrated in FIG. 61, the engagement portion or surface of thecomponent 4130 that contacts a support surface is close to the distaltip of the side 4138 of the component 4130. The holder 4000 and thedevice coupled thereto can be flipped over 180.degree. to an inverseconfiguration. In that configuration, the engagement portion or surfaceof the component 4130 that contacts a support surface is on the outerside of the component 4130.

As shown in FIG. 60, in this embodiment, the support component 4130includes projections 4144A and 4144B that extend from side 4138 of thebody 4131. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 61, the support component 4130includes a projection 4146 that extends from side 4136 of the body 4131.Referring to FIG. 63, the wall 4084 includes a notch 4088 that isconfigured to receive projection 4146 when the component 4130 is movedto its retracted position.

Referring to FIGS. 61 and 63, the support component 4130 includes aninner wall 4150 and side walls 4152, 4154, 4155, and 4156 whichcollectively form a receptacle 4160. The receptacle 4160 is sized andconfigured to receive support component 4200 therein when the components4130 and 4200 are in their collapsed or retracted positions.

Component 4200 includes a body 4210 with opposite ends 4220 and 4222 andopenings 4212 and 4214 proximate to the ends. Connector 4216 and 4218,such as pins, are inserted through the openings 4212 and 4214,respectively, to movably couple component 4200 to the body 4010 of theholder 4000 and to component 4130. Component 4200 rotates aboutconnector 4218 along the direction of arrow “AC” to a deployed positionand rotates about connector 4218 along the direction of arrow “AD” to aretracted position. The connector 4218 is inserted into slots 4062 and4072 defined by surfaces 4060 and 4070, respectively, in FIG. 59B.

Side wall 4156 includes a notch or groove 4158 that provides clearancefor receiving connector 4218 when the components 4130 and 4200 are movedto their retracted positions. To retain the components 4130 and 4200 indeployed positions, support component 4200 includes a projection 4224that engages a notch 4151 formed on the inner wall 4150. Supportcomponent 4130 can be rotated about connector 4216 along the directionsof arrows “AC” and “AD” as desired.

Support component 4130 can be pivoted so that side 4136 engages an innerwall of the body 4010 to prop the body 4010 at a first angle 4021Arelative to a support surface as shown in FIGS. 60 and 62. In addition,support component 4130 can be pivoted so that side 4138 engages an innerwall of the body 4010 to prop the body 4010 at a second angle 4021Brelative to a support surface as shown in FIG. 61. Thus, byrepositioning the support component 4130, the body 4010 can be supportedat different angles relative to a support surface. The difference in thefirst and second support angles is partially due to the fact that theconnector 4216 is located at a point offset from the middle of thesupport component 4130. As shown in FIG. 63, the distance between theconnector 4216 and end 4136 is different than the distance between theconnector 4216 and end 4138. As a result, the body 4010 and anyelectronic device coupled thereto can be supported at different anglesby adjusting the position of the support component 4130.

Also, a cord coupled to an electronic device that is connected to thebody 4010 can be wrapped around support component body 4210 when thebody 4210 is in the position illustrated in FIG. 63.

Referring to FIGS. 63A-63D, an exemplary mounting of the support 4000 isillustrated. As shown, a support member 4600, such as a band or strap(which may be elastic or inelastic), includes opposite ends 4602 and4604 and a loop 4606 that has an opening 4608 to receive end 4602. Theband 4600 can be a used as a belt, an arm band, a backpack strap orother supporting mechanism. A portion of one side of the support member4600 includes one of a hook or loop material and a portion of the otherside of the support member 4600 includes the other of a hook or loopmaterial. Accordingly, the support member 4600 can be wrapped around anobject, such as the waist or the arm of a user, and worn in aconventional manner using the hook and loop materials to retain thesupport member 4600 in place.

In this embodiment, a coupler 4610, which can be a plastic or rubberhousing, includes a slot 4630 (see FIG. 63D) that permits the coupler4610 to slide along the support member 4600. In another embodiment,coupler 4610 does not slide as it is integrally formed with supportmember 4600. In yet another embodiment, the support component 4130 canbe slid or twisted into a semi-flexible buttonhole opening in analternate coupler and support member configuration. Referring to FIG.63A, the coupler 4610 includes guide portions 4612 and 4614 that definea receptacle 4616 and that have ends 4618 and 4620, respectively, thatdefine a slot 4622 therebetween. The receptacle 4616 and the slot 4622are configured to slidably receive the support component body 4131 andthe support component body 4210 (see FIG. 63), respectively, when thesupport 4000 is moved along the direction of arrow “CA” in FIG. 63B. Theopening for each of the receptacle 4616 and the slot 4622 are orientedupward so that the support 4000 is maintained on the coupler 4610 viathe engagement of the support components 4130 and 4200 with the coupler4610. FIGS. 63C and 63D show the support 4000 mounted to the coupler4610 and in a position to be worn by a user via the support member 4600.

Referring to FIG. 64, a schematic block diagram of another embodiment ofa holder or case according to the invention is illustrated. As shown,the holder 4700 includes a body 4710 and a support 4720 that is movablycoupled to the body 4710. The holder 4700 is configured to be coupled toa device 4702, such as an electronic device, in a manner consistent withthis disclosure.

The support 4720 is movable relative to the body 4710 and placeable inmany different orientations. In FIG. 64, the support 4720 is illustratedas being in the holder 4700 which represents the support 4720 being in aretracted position relative to the body 4710, which in some embodimentsincludes the support 4720 being disposed within the holder 4720.

The support 4720 is illustrated in orientation 4730 in FIG. 64. In thisembodiment, the orientation of the support 4720 can be changed. Theorientation of the support determines the orientation of the case orholder and the electronic device relative to a support surface orsupporting object. In one embodiment, orientation 4720 may correspond tothe body 4710 and the device 4702 being in a landscape orientation whenviewed from the front. The support 4720 can be moved along the directionof arrow “DA” to another orientation 4732. In one embodiment,orientation 4732 may correspond to the body 4710 and device 4702 beingin a portrait orientation. In this embodiment, the angle of rotationbetween orientations 4730 and 4732 is approximately 90 degrees. Inaddition, the support 4720 can be moved along the direction of arrow“DB” to orientation 4734. In one embodiment, orientation 4734 maycorrespond to the body 4710 and device 4702 being in another portraitorientation, which is 180 degrees different than orientation 4732. Theangle of rotation between orientations 4730 and 4732 is approximately 90degrees and between orientations 4732 and 4734 is approximately 180degrees. Support 4720 can be moved 360 degrees in the direction of arrow“DB” or “DA” and can stop at any angle.

In one embodiment, the support 4720 is rotatably mounted to the body4710 and can be rotated between the different orientations 4730, 4732,and 4734. In another embodiment, the support 4720 may be slidablymounted to the body 4710 and, for example, movable along an arcuate slotin the body 4710 between orientations 4730, 4732, and 4734.

The support 4720 can be moved to an extended configuration or positionrelative to the holder 4700 as well. This movement to an extendedposition from a retracted position can occur when the support 4720 is inany orientation relative to the body 4710. The extending movement can bemanually performed by a user.

Referring to FIG. 64, the support 4720 can be moved from its retractedposition to an extended position 4730A in which the support 4720 extendsfrom the body 4710 and is engageable with a support surface or otherstructure to support the holder 4700 and device 4702. The support 4720can be moved to another extended position 4730B while in thisorientation 4730. The support 4720 extends from the body 4710 atdifferent angles whether the support 4720 is in position 4730A orposition 4730B, and accordingly, supports the holder 4700 and device4702 at different angles as well in this landscape orientation.

The support 4720 can be moved between any of the orientations 4730,4732, and 4734 while the support 4720 is in either a retracted positionor an extended position relative to the body 4710. Once the support 4720is in its orientation 4732, the support 4720 can be placed in at leasttwo extended positions 4732A and 4732B, which enables the support 4720to be used to support the holder 4700 and device 4702 in a portraitorientation at different angles. Similarly, once the support 4720 is inits orientation 4734, the support 4720 can be placed in at least twoextended positions 4734A and 4734B, which enables the support 4720 to beused to support the holder 4700 and device 4702 in a portraitorientation at different angles. In at least one combination of supportorientation and extension, the support 4720 can be grasped by a user tohold the holder 4700 to facilitate use of the device 4702 by the user.

The body 4710 can include several semi-permanent positioners, locators,or locking members that can be used to identify an orientation of thesupport 4720 and temporarily retain the support 4720 in thatorientation. While three orientations 4730, 4732, and 4734 areillustrated in FIG. 64, the support 4720 can be placed in otherorientations as well. In addition, the angles of rotation between thedifferent orientations can vary.

One benefit of the repositionable or reorientable support 4720 is thatit permits a user to view the device 4702 and/or to record images (suchas a still or motion video image of the user via an image recordingdevice like a webcam) while in any desired orientation.

Referring to FIG. 65, another embodiment of a holder according to theinvention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the holder 4750 includes abody 4760 that can be coupled to an electronic device and a support 4770that is movably coupled to the body 4760. The support 4770 can be placedin several different orientations relative to the body 4760 and in thisembodiment, the support 4770 can be rotated along the directions ofarrow “DC” 360 degrees or in a full, complete circle. The support 4770is illustrated in orientations 4772, 4774, 4776, and 4778, which can beapproximately 90 degrees apart. The body 4760 may include a detentmechanism that provides a “soft stop” for the support 4770 so that thesupport 4770 can be appropriately aligned and oriented with the body4760.

In one example, when support 4770 is in orientation 4772 or 4776, thebody 4760 is in a portrait orientation in which an electronic devicecoupled to the body 4760 can be viewed by a user. In this orientation,the support 4770 can be adjusted through a wide range of angles, basedon the configuration of the support, to maintain the body 4760 relativeto a support surface as desired. In either orientation 4772 or 4776,body 4760 and the device can be placed in an “upside down” orientationand in a “right-side-up” position with respect to the support surfacegiven that the devices screen image auto-orients itself right-side up,enabling a larger range of extension for more viewing options in oneposition and/or better support for more stability in the other positiongiven the component structure of support 4772.

When support 4770 is in orientation 4774 or 4778, the body 4760 is in alandscape orientation in which an electronic device coupled to the body4760 can be viewed by a user. In this orientation 4774, the support 4770can be adjusted through a wide range of angles like orientation 4772. Ineither orientation 4774 or 4778, body 4760 and the device can be placedin an “upside down” orientation and in a “right-side-up” position withrespect to the support surface given that the devices screen imageauto-orients itself right-side up, enabling a larger range of extensionfor more viewing options in one position and/or better support for morestability in the other position given the component structure of support4772.

In various uses, both the support 4720 in FIG. 64 and the support 4770in FIG. 65 can be used as a handle by a user when the supports are inany orientation relative to the body to hold the body or case in anydesired orientation. In various embodiments, the quantity oforientations of the supports can vary depending on the size and shape ofthe holder or body (such as whether the body has less or more than foursides).

Referring to FIG. 66, a schematic block diagram showing the movements ofthe components of an embodiment of a support according to the inventionis illustrated. In this embodiment, the support 4800 includes a base orbase member 4810 that is movably mounted to the body of a holder (notshown). In one embodiment, the base 4810 can be pivotally mounted to theholder body so that the base 4810 (and the other components of thesupport 4800) can be reoriented and disposed in one of manyorientations.

In this configuration, a coupler 4820 is slidably and pivotally coupledto base 4810 at point 4822 which is movable along the direction of arrow“EA.” In an alternative embodiment, the coupler 4820 may be slidably andpivotally coupled to base 4810 at a second point 4824 in addition to thefirst point 4822. In that embodiment, the first and second points 4822and 4824 can be moved relative to the base 4810 simultaneously toreposition the coupler 4820 between a retracted position and an extendedposition.

An arm 4830 (also referred to as a support component or an engagementmember) is configured to engage a support surface 4835. The arm 4830 ispivotally coupled to the coupler 4820 at one or more points or locations4834 and 4836, depending on the configuration of the coupler 4820. Thearm 4830 can be rotated about point 4834 as shown by arrow “EC.” The arm4830 is also coupled to the base 4810 at point 4832 about which the arm4830 can be rotated as shown by arrow “EB.” The extent of movement ofthe coupler 4820 and the arm 4830 relative to the base 4810 determineshow far the arm 4830 extends from the base 4810 in angular movement andthe angle at which the support 4800 supports the electronic device andholder.

Referring to FIG. 67, another embodiment of a support is illustrated. Inthis embodiment, the support 4840 includes a base 4850 to which couplers4860 and 4870 are slidably and pivotally coupled at points or locations4862 and 4872, respectively. An arm 4880, engageable with a supportsurface 4890, is pivotally coupled to couplers 4860 and 4870 at points4886 and 4884 and to base 4850 at point 4882. In this embodiment, twoseparate couplers 4860 and 4870 are provided.

Referring to FIGS. 68-76, another embodiment of a support or supportmechanism according to the invention is illustrated. In this embodiment,the support 5000 has a body 5010 that includes a support portion 5100.In one embodiment, the support 5000 can be provided with one or morecoupling members on the body 5010 to couple the body 5010 to anelectronic device. In another embodiment, the support 5000 can beinserted into a sleeve or jacket that is coupled to an electronicdevice. In this arrangement, the support 5000 can be easily removed fromthe electronic device and the sleeve or jacket. In one implementation,the sleeve can include a pocket into which the support 5000 is inserted.The sleeve can be a soft shell sleeve that is coupled to the electronicdevice. The sleeve can be a fabric shell, a leather shell, a rubbershell, a co-molded rubber and fabric shell, a shell with plasticportions, or other suitable material, or any combination thereof. Thesleeve can include an opening through which the support portion 5100 canextend.

As shown and described below, the support portion 5100 is movablerelative to the body 5010 and disposable in several orientations and inseveral extended or deployed configurations. In addition, the supportportion 5100 is repositionable relative to the body 5010 so that anelectronic device coupled thereto can be supported in any orientation,including, but not limited to, a portrait orientation and in a landscapeorientation.

Referring to FIG. 68, the body 5010 has a first or upper end 5012 and anopposite second or lower end 5014 and a pair of opposite sides 5016 and5018. The body 5010 also includes a front or inner surface 5022 (seeFIG. 69) and a rear or outer surface 5020 (see FIG. 68). In thisembodiment, the body 5010 is substantially rectangular with roundedcorners. In alternative embodiments, the body 5010 may have a differentshape or configuration, such as a square or a circle, or may have morethan four sides. In one embodiment, the body 5010 is approximately thesame size and shape as the electronic device to which the body 5010 iscoupled or proximate.

The body 5010 also includes a mounting ring 5026 that defines an opening5028. The opening 5028 is located closer to end 5014 than end 5012 andequidistant between the sides 5016 and 5018. This location of theopening 5028 facilitates the use of the body 5010 in any number oforientations. In addition, the distance that opening 5028 is from aparticular edge of the body 5010 partially determines the needed lengthof the support portion component that engages a support surface, asdescribed below.

In FIGS. 68-73, the support portion 5100 is illustrated in its retractedconfiguration 5102. In this configuration 5102, the support portion 5100is disposed within or substantially within the profile of the body 5010.In FIGS. 74-78, the support portion 5100 is illustrated in differentdeployed configurations 5104, 5106, and 5108 in which part of thesupport portion 5100 can engage a support surface to support the body5010 relative to the support surface.

Referring back to FIGS. 68 and 69, the support portion 5100 includes arotating base 5200, a coupler 5300, and an engagement member or arm5500. As described in detail below, in this embodiment, the supportportion 5100 is movably mounted to the body 5010 and disposable inseveral orientations relative to the body 5010. In particular, the base5200 is rotatably mounted to the body 5010. The base 5200 includes anindicator 5260 that is used to indicate or represent the particularorientation of the support portion 5100.

In one embodiment, the engagement member or arm 5500 includes anelongate member 5503, such as a pin, that is molded into the body of thearm 5500. The elongate member 5503 extends along most or nearly all ofthe length of the arm 5500 and provides rigidity and stability to thearm 5500. In this embodiment, the arm 5500 includes a second elongatemember 5505 that extends along an opposite side of the arm 5500 fromelongate member 5503. In other embodiments, the elongate members 5503and 5505 can be coupled to an outer surface of the arm 5500 and notmolded into the arm 5500. The elongate members 5503 and 5505 may beapproximately one millimeter in diameter.

The body 5010 includes a mounting ring or portion 5026 that has severalorientation indicia located therealong. In other embodiments, theorientation indicia can be included on another portion of the body 5010.In this embodiment, the body 5010 includes orientation indicia 5060,5062, and 5064 that can be used to identify the particular position orconfiguration of the support portion 5100. For example, orientationindicia 5060 recites “Portrait,” orientation indicia 5062 recites“Landscape,” and orientation indicia 5064 recites “Handle.” In thisembodiment, the orientation indicia 5060, 5062, and 5064 are spacedapart by approximately 90 degrees. As the support portion 5100 isrotated, the indicator 5260 can be aligned with the desired orientationindicia on the body 5010 so that the holder 5000 is in its desiredorientation. An electronic device is sometimes better viewed in aportrait orientation and sometimes better viewed in a landscapeorientation based on the video content being viewed on the display orscreen of the electronic device. In other embodiments, the orientationindicia are located at four locations corresponding to the fourorientations of rectangular devices.

Referring to FIG. 69, the base 5200 includes a body or body portion 5210that has a locating member 5250 coupled thereto. As shown in FIG. 70,the locating member 5250 includes a bar 5252 that defines an opening orslot 5254 which allows a portion of the locating member 5250 withprojection 5256 to move inwardly along the direction of arrow “FA” whena force is applied.

Referring to FIG. 69, the body 5010 includes several positioners orlocators 5050, 5052, and 5054 spaced around the perimeter of the opening5028. Each of the positioners 5050, 5052, and 5054 includes a detentthat is configured to receive the projection 5256 on the locating member5250 when the projection 5256 engages the detent of the particularpositioner. As the base 5200 rotates, the projection 5256 slides alongthe inner wall defining the opening 5028. When the projection 5256engages a detent, the base 5200 is located in one of the predeterminedorientations and the user can feel the engagement of the projection 5256and detent.

Referring to FIGS. 68 and 69, on the outside, indicator 5260 is alignedwith indicia 5060 and on the inside, the locating member 5250 is engagedwith positioner 5050. In this orientation, labeled “Portrait,” the body5010 and the electronic device are disposed in a portrait orientation.

Referring to FIGS. 71 and 72, the support portion 5100 has been rotatedalong the direction of arrow “FB” about axis 5550 to a differentorientation 5112. In this orientation, indicator 5260 is aligned withorientation indicia 5062, which is “Landscape,” which represents theorientation of the body 5010. As shown in FIG. 72, the locating member5250 is engaged with positioner 5052.

Referring to FIG. 73, the support portion 5100 has been rotated alongthe direction of arrow “FC” about the same axis 5550 to anotherorientation 5114. In this orientation, indicator 5260 is aligned withorientation indicia 5064, which is “Handle,” which corresponds to thefact that the orientation of the body 5010 is portrait. On the inside ofholder 5000, the locating member 5250 of the base 5200 is engaged withpositioner 5054 (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 74, the support portion 5100 is illustrated in adeployed configuration 5106 in which the engagement member 5500 is movedalong the direction of arrow “AG” so that the engagement member 5500extends outward from the base 5200. In this orientation, a user cangrasp the engagement member 5500 and use it as a handle be insertingpart of the user's hand in the space 5502 between the engagement member5500 and the coupler 5300, and in this orientation the engagement member5500 can engage with a support surface in a right side-up and upsidedown position.

As shown in FIG. 74, in one embodiment, the engagement member 5500includes an extension member 5501 that can be moved between a retractedposition and an extended position relative to the engagement member5500. The extension member 5501 is illustrated in an extended positionin FIG. 74. In this position, the extension member 5501 lengthensengagement member 5500 to enable the engagement member 5500 to providebetter support due to its increased length. Referring to FIGS. 74A and74B, member 5501 can be moved relative to engagement member 5500 bysliding along the direction of arrow “AG2” or rotating along thedirection of arrow “AG1.”

Referring to FIG. 75, the orientation of the support portion 5100 isreturned to the initial portrait orientation 5110. As shown, theengagement member 5500 has been moved along the direction of arrow “AE”to an extended position in which the engagement member 5500 can contacta support surface.

As shown in FIG. 75, the engagement member 5500 includes a body 5510with an outer surface 5512 (FIG. 68), an inner surface 5514, and anengagement surface or portion 5538 at the distal end of the engagementmember 5500. In one embodiment, engagement surface 5538 and a portion ofouter surface 5512 and inner surface 5514 are made of rubber and fixedlyattached or integrally formed via co-molding with engagement member5500, to provide a better grip of the support surface. A fingerengageable recess 5530 is formed on the inner surface 5514 of the body5510. The engagement member 5500 is coupled to the base 5200 at joint orpoint 5542 by a connector, such as a pin (not shown).

The base 5200 include a wall 5216 that defines an opening 5218 throughthe base 5200. The wall 5216 includes side wall portions 5220 and 5222,each of which includes a slot (only slot 5224 shown in FIG. 75). Thecoupler 5300 includes an opening at one end in which a connector 5310(such as a pin) is inserted. The connector 5310 is slidable along theslots in the side wall portions 5220 and 5222, which include ridgeswhich help retain the connector 5310 in a particular location along theslots. The frictional forces between the pin ends and the slots in thebase 5200 in which they are inserted cooperate with the ridges in theslots to retain the coupling member 5300 in a particular positions. Thecoupler 5300 is coupled to the engagement member 5500 along a joint5540, which in this embodiment is located on both sides of theengagement member 5500.

Referring to FIG. 76, while the support portion 5100 is maintained inits deployed configuration 5104, the support portion 5100 can be rotatedabout axis 5550 along the direction of arrow “AF” from the positionillustrated in FIG. 75 to the position illustrated in FIG. 76.

Referring to FIG. 77, the base 5200 has been rotated so that thelocating member 5250 is engaged with positioner 5050, which correspondsto a portrait orientation of the holder 5000. As shown, the supportportion 5100 is in an extended configuration 5108 and the engagementmember 5500 has been moved along the direction of arrow “AH” so that itextends outward to engage a support surface with engagement portion5538. In this configuration, when engagement member 5500 and end 5012 ofthe body 5010 are placed on a support surface, the force applied toengagement member 5500 from the support surface is along the directionof arrow “AH1.” Arrow “AH1” is directed relative to the joint 5540 suchthat the applied force tends to cause the engagement member 5500 to moveaway from its retracted position further. However, the movement of thecoupler 5300 is limited by the length of the slot 5224 and as a result,the movement of the engagement member 5500 is similarly limited, and inthis upside down configuration the support structure can withstand moreweight and pressure since a significant component of the force actingupon the stand is not rotational but aimed directly through the pin.Thus, the holder 5000 in this configuration provides a stable and sturdysupport for an electronic device on which a user can be typing, whichwould incur more force on the electronic device than simply viewing thedisplay or screen of the device.

Referring to FIG. 78, the base 5200 has been rotated so that thelocating member 5250 is engaged with positioner 5052, which correspondsto a landscape orientation of the holder 5000. The support portion 5100is still in its extended configuration 5108 and when engagement member5500 and side 5018 of the body 5010 are placed on a support surface, theforce applied to engagement member 5500 from the support surface isalong the direction of arrow “AH2,” which is similar to arrow “AH1” inFIG. 77. Thus, as with the forces discussed in FIG. 77, the holder 5000in this configuration provides a stable and sturdy support for anelectronic device on which a user can be typing in a landscapeorientation as opposed to a portrait orientation as shown in FIG. 77.

Referring to FIGS. 78A and 78B, another embodiment of a supportaccording to the invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, thesupport 9000 has a body 9010 that includes a support portion 9100. Inone embodiment, the support 9000 can be provided with one or morecoupling members on the body 9010 to couple the body 9010 to anelectronic device.

In this embodiment, the body 9010 includes four rubber bumpers 9080,9082, 9084, and 9086 that are located at the corners of the body 9010and provide protection to the body 9010 and couple the body 9010 to anelectronic device to provide increased protection to the electronicdevice. The rubber bumpers 9080, 9082, 9084, and 9086 extend through thebody 9010 and have portions 9080A, 9082A, 9084A, and 9086A that extendalong the inner corner surfaces 9010A, 9010B, 9010C, and 9010D of body9010, respectively, to provide protection to the electronic device.Similar to the support illustrated in FIGS. 68-78 and described above,the support portion 9100 is movable relative to the body 9010 anddisposable in several orientations and in several extended or deployedconfigurations. Referring to FIG. 78A, the body 9010 has a structurethat is generally similar to that of body 5010. The differences betweenbody 5010 and body 9010 are described in detail.

As shown, the support portion 9100 includes a rotating base 9200, acoupler 9300, and an engagement member or arm 9500. The support portion9100 is movably mounted to the body 9010 and disposable in severalorientations relative to the body 9010. In particular, the base 9200 isrotatably mounted to the body 9010. The base 9200 includes an indicator9260 that is used to indicate or represent the particular orientation ofthe support portion 9100.

The body 9010 includes a mounting ring or portion 9026 that has severalorientation indicia located therealong. In other embodiments, theorientation indicia can be included on another portion of the body 9010.In this embodiment, the body 9010 includes orientation indicia 9060,9062, 9064, and 9066 that can be used to identify the particularposition or configuration of the support portion 9100. For example,orientation indicia 9060 recites “Portrait-View,” orientation indicia9062 recites “Landscape-View,” orientation indicia 9064 recites“Portrait-Type,” and orientation indicia 9066 recites “Landscape-Type.”In this embodiment, the orientation indicia 9060, 9062, 9064, and 9066are spaced apart by approximately 90 degrees. As the support portion9100 is rotated, the indicator 9260 can be aligned with the desiredorientation indicia on the body 9010 so that the holder 9000 is in itsdesired orientation. Support portion 9100 can also be rotated to anydesired orientation along a full 360 degrees of rotation and with theengagement member 9500 in any one of several extended positions be usedas a support or as a handle, as described previously. The shape of therubber bumpers 9080, 9082, 9084, and 9086 wrap the outside corners ofthe body 9010 and extend inward from the corners so that these bumpersengage with the support surface, in ever orientation of the supportportion 9100 and every angle of extension of engagement arm 9500including its retracted position, to provide more stability. In otherwords, when the engagement member 9500 is retracted and the body 9010 islaid flat on a surface, only the rubber bumpers 9080, 9082, 9084, and9086 engage the support surface. The combination of these rubber bumpersand the rubber engagement surface 5538 (see FIG. 77) provide even gripand support of the support surface for typing, vibrating surfaces (suchas airplane tray tables) and finger engagement with touch screenelectronic devices.

Referring to FIG. 78B, the base 9200 includes a body or body portion9210 that has a locating member 9250 coupled thereto. As shown, the body9010 includes several positioners or locators 9050, 9052, 9054, and 9056spaced around the perimeter of the opening. Each of the positioners9050, 9052, 9054, and 9056 includes a detent that is configured toreceive the projection on the locating member 9250 when the projectionengages the detent of the particular positioner. When the projectionengages a detent, the base 9200 is located in one of the predeterminedorientations and the user can feel the engagement of the projection anddetent.

Referring to FIG. 79, an alternative embodiment of a holder or supportmechanism according to the invention is illustrated. Only a rearperspective view of this holder or support mechanism is illustrated forsimplicity. In this embodiment, the holder 5600 includes a body 5610that has an opening formed 5612 therein. The holder 5600 includes asupport 5620 that has a rotating base 5630 removably mounted in theopening 5612 and rotatable relative to the body 5610 about an axisextending through the support 5620. Coupled to the base 5620 are twocoupling members 5640 and 5650 and an engagement arm 5660. The support5620 operates in substantially the same way as support portion 5100 ofholder 5000 with the exception that the U-shaped coupling member 5300 isreplaced by coupling members 5640 and 5650 and the shape of theengagement member 5500 is changed accordingly.

As shown in FIG. 79, a holder or coupler 5080 can be coupled to anelectronic device 5070 via a coupling mechanism 5082, which engages thedevice 5070. The holder 5080 forms a sleeve and can be a fabric shell, aleather shell, a rubber shell, a co-molded rubber and fabric shell, ashell with plastic portions, or other suitable material, or anycombination thereof. The holder 5080 includes a piece of material 5084that defines a receptacle 5086 in which the body 5610 can be inserted asshown. The material 5084 includes an edge 5088 that defines an opening5090 through which the support portion 5620 can pass when the supportportion 5620 is moved to an extended position.

Referring to FIGS. 79B and 79C, rear and front perspective views ofanother embodiment of a holder that can be used with holder or coupler5080 are illustrated. In this embodiment, the holder 5700 has a body5710 with a front surface 5714 and a rear surface 5716 with an opening5712 therebetween. Rotatably mounted in the opening 5712 is a support5720 that includes a rotating base 5730 with a coupling member 5740 andan engagement arm 5750.

Referring to FIG. 79A, in another embodiment, a coupler 5162 includes acoupling mechanism 5164 that can be coupled to an electronic device5160. The holder 5162 includes an edge 5166 that defines an opening 5168into which a plate 5170 can be easily inserted. The plate 5170 includesa support with a rotatable base 5172 and movable support components 5174and 5176 that can be used to support the electronic device 5160. Whendesired, the plate 5170 can be decoupled from holder 5162, or can befixedly attached. The plate can be coupled to the holder 5162 in theopening 5168 via a snap fit arrangement, fasteners, a friction fit, aslide-in sleeve, with rivets, sewn-in, via magnets, an adhesive, orother connectors or techniques.

Referring to FIG. 79D, an exemplary embodiment of a locating mechanismthat can be used to locate and retain a support in a particular positionis illustrated. While only portions of the support 13000 areillustrated, it is to be understood that the features of support 13000can be used with any of the cases or holders described herein. Support13000 includes a rotating base 13010 that has an inner end wall 13012and opposing side walls 13014 and 13016 that collectively define anopening 13018 that is configured to receive coupling member 13060 whenthe coupling member 13060 is in its collapsed or retracted position.Side wall 13014 includes a groove 13020 formed therein with oppositeends 13022 and 13024 and an inner wall 13026 extending between the ends13022 and 13024. Located along the inner wall 13026 are severalprojections 13028 that define notches 13030 therebetween. Similarly,side wall 13016 includes a groove 13040 with opposite ends 13042 and13044 and an inner wall 13046 with projections 13048 and notches 13050.

Coupling member 13060 includes a wall 13062 that defines an opening13064 that is configured to receive a support arm (not shown in FIG.79D) when the support arm is in its collapsed or retracted position orconfiguration. Proximate to an end of coupling member 13060 is anopening 13065 that is in communication with two channels 13066 and 13068that extend between the opening 13065 and respective outer walls orsides of the coupling member 13060.

The locating mechanism 13070 is used to locate and retain the couplingmember 13060, and as a result the support 13000 as a whole, in aparticular configuration and position relative to the rotating base13010. In this embodiment, the locating mechanism 13070 includes a pairof pins 13080 and 13090 that are slidably mounted in the channels 13066and 13068, respectively. The pins 13080 and 13090 have outer ends 13082and 13092 and inner ends 13084 and 13094.

A biasing member 13075, such as a spring, is mounted on the inner ends13084 and 13094 of the pins 13080 and 13090 and biases the pins 13080and 13090 outwardly along the directions of arrows “D1” and “D2,”respectively. When the pins 13080 and 13090 are biased in thosedirections, the outer ends 13082 and 13092 of the pins 13080 and 13090engage the notches 13030 and 13050 in the inner walls 13026 and 13046 ofthe grooves 13020 and 13040. The biasing member 13075 applies asufficient force to the pins 13080 and 13090 so that the pins 13080 and13090 remain engaged with a particular pair of notches 13030 and 13050unless moved by a user.

The pins 13080 and 13090 are metal and the rotating base 13010 is moldedplastic. In this embodiment, the only surfaces that frictionally engageeach other as the coupling member 13060 is moved along the directions ofarrow “D3” relative to the rotating base 13010 are the outer ends 13082and 13092 of the pins 13080 and 13090 and the inner walls 13026 and13046. The limited engagement of surfaces in this embodiment reduces thewear on the inner walls 13026 and 13046, thereby lengthening the usefullife of the parts.

Referring to FIG. 79E, in this embodiment, support 13100 is generallythe same as support 13000 except that the pins 13150 and 13160 haveengagement members 13154 and 13164 on ends 13152 and 13162. Members13154 and 13164 are formed of molded plastic and include surfaces 13156and 13166 with projections 13158 and 13168 that are configured to engagethe inner walls of the grooves to locate the pins 13150 and 13160relative to the base unless the coupling member is moved by a user. Inthis embodiment, the only surfaces that frictionally engage each otherare both molded plastic, which reduces the friction between the surfacesas the coupling member is moved. Further, in this embodiment, the largerengagement surface of 13154 and 13164 spread the frictional forces overa larger area thereby lengthening the useful life of the parts.

Referring to FIG. 79F, alternative support 13200 includes a base 13210with opposing side walls with grooves 13220 and 13230 formed therein.The support 13200 includes a coupling member 13240 and a locatingmechanism 13225 that can be used to locate the coupling member 13240.Locating mechanism 13225 includes a pair of pins 13250 and 13260 and apair of biasing members 13270 and 13280 that engage the inner ends ofthe pins 13250 and 13260 to bias the outer ends of the pins 13250 and13260 outwardly into engagement with the inner walls of the grooves13220 and 13230. The biasing members 13270 and 13280 are bent metalpieces that are inserted into the stepped groove 13242 of the couplingmember 13240.

Referring to FIG. 79G, alternative support 13300 has a locatingmechanism that includes a resilient pin 13350, formed of metal, that ismolded or inserted into a channel in the coupling portion and has itsends 13352 and 13354 bent to form engaging portions 13356 and 13358,respectively. Resilient pin 13350 could be two separate pins instead ofa single pin. Each of the engaging portions 13356 and 13358 has one ormore projections formed therein that can engage one of the notchesformed in the sidewall of a corresponding groove.

Referring to FIG. 79H, alternative support 13400 has a locatingmechanism that includes a pin 13410 with opposite ends 13412 and 13414that are inserted into opposing grooves 13402 and 13406. Resilient pin13410 could be two separate pins instead of a single pin. In thisembodiment, instead of the projections and notches being formed in theinner side walls of the grooves 13402 and 13406, the projections 13404and 13408 are formed in one or more of the opposing top and bottom wallsdefining the grooves 13402 and 13406.

Referring to FIG. 79I, alternative support 13500 has a locatingmechanism that includes a pin 13510 with opposite ends 13512 and 13514that have engagement members 13516 and 13518 mounted thereto. Resilientpin 13510 could be two separate pins instead of a single pin. Each ofthe engagement members 13516 and 13518 has opposing surfaces withprojections and notches that engage the projections and notches formedin the opposing top and bottom walls defining the grooves 13502 and13506.

Referring to FIG. 79J, another embodiment of a locating mechanism for aholder according to the present invention is illustrated. Only a portionof the holder is illustrated for simplicity. As shown, the holderincludes a support 16200 that has a repositionable arm or body 16210 anda base 16212. Similar to the previously described embodiments, the body16210 has a pin 16220 coupled thereto. The pin 16220 is made of steeland has a spring-like or resilient characteristics such that theportions of the pin 16220 extending beyond the arm 16210 can bend andflex.

The pin 16220 has opposite ends to which sliders or positioning members16230 and 16232 are coupled. Each of the positioning members 16230 and16232 has a contact or sliding surface that has several grooves formedtherein. The support 16200 also includes a pair of engagement members16240 and 16242 that are coupled to the base 16212. Engagement members16240 and 16242 can also be integrally formed with base 16212. As thearm 16210 is moved to reposition the support, the positioning members16230 and 16232 slide along the engagement members 16240 and 16242, andthe grooves and ridges formed in each of the surfaces engages those inthe opposing surface. In this embodiment, the engagement members 16240and 16242 and positioning members 16230 and 16232 are formed of chromedzinc material, which enhances the longevity of the surfaces and improvestheir wear through the repeated adjustment of the support. In otherembodiments, the members 16230, 16232, 16240, and 16242 are made of amaterial that is durable and generally resistant to wear.

Referring to FIGS. 80-86, an exemplary embodiment of a holder body and asupport removably coupleable to the holder body is illustrated. In FIG.80, a perspective view of the body 6010 of the holder 6000 isillustrated. The body 6010 includes an inner surface 6012 with an edgeor wall 6110 that defines an opening 6112, which is circular. The wall6110 includes a coupling mechanism 6120 that is used to couple a base6300 of a support portion 6200 to the body 6010 (see FIG. 81).

Referring to FIG. 81, a perspective view of the support portion 6200 isillustrated. In this embodiment, the support portion 6200 includes anengagement member 6500, a coupler 6400, and a body 6310 with an outeredge that defines a perimeter and an inner side wall 6322 with a slot6326 formed therein. Located along the perimeter of the body 6310 is acoupling mechanism 6350 that is used with coupling mechanism 6120 tocouple the base 6300 to the body 6010. Coupling mechanism 6350 includesseveral spaced apart guide members 6360 with one locator member 6370. Inthis embodiment, the guide members 6360 and locator member 6370 areintegrally formed with the body 6310 and are located within a space 6354that is defined by an edge 6352.

Referring to FIG. 83, a partial cross-sectional view of the body 6010 isillustrated. As shown, the coupling mechanism 6120 of the body 6010includes a ridge 6122 that extends around the opening 6112. Located atparticular locations along the wall 6110 are positioners 6130 (only oneshown in FIG. 83) which provide a slight positive locking effect orfeeling to the user when the base 6300 is rotated to a positioncorresponding to a positioner 6130. Each positioner 6130 includestapered surfaces 6134 and 6136 that lead to a detent or notch 6132.Referring to FIG. 86, the ridge 6122 has an upper surface 6124 that isengaged by the base 6300 when the base 6300 is inserted into the opening6112, and a lower surface 6126.

Referring to FIGS. 82, 84, and 85, the coupling mechanism 6350 of thebase 6300 is illustrated. In the partial view of FIG. 82, two guidemembers 6360 and locator member 6370 are illustrated.

As shown in FIG. 84, the base body 6310 has an inner surface 6340 and anouter surface 6342. Guide member 6360 is integrally formed with the body6310. Guide member 6360 includes a body portion 6362 that extends from alower part of body 6310 and is spaced apart from the main portion ofbody 6310 by a gap or space 6366, which allows the guide member 6360 tomove along the directions of arrows “AW1” and “AW2,” depending on theforce applied to guide member 6360. The guide member body 6362 includesa projecting portion 6364 with a tapered surface 6367 that engages thelower surface 6126 of the ridge 6122 when the base 6300 is insertedalong the direction of arrow “AX” in FIG. 87 into the opening 6112 ofholder body 6010. When tapered surface 6367 engages the lower surface6126, the projecting portion 6364 is moved inwardly along the directionof arrow “AW1” until the tip 6365 clears the ridge 6122. Once the tip6365 clears the ridge 6122, the projecting portion 6364 returns alongthe direction of arrow “AW2” to its position shown in FIG. 87. In thisposition, the lower surface of the tip 6365 rests on the upper surface6124 of the ridge 6122, thereby mounting the base 6300 in the opening6112 of the holder body 6010. As a result, the ridge 6122 is captured inthe space or groove 6368 formed by the tip 6365 and walls 6369A and6369B and the base 6300 is coupled to the holder body 6010.

As shown in FIG. 85, locator member 6370 is integrally formed with thebody 6310. Locator member 6370 includes a body portion 6372 that extendsfrom a lower part of body 6310 and is spaced apart from the main portionof body 6310 by a gap or space 6376, which allows the locator member6370 to move along the directions of arrows “AY1” and “AY2,” dependingon the force applied to locator member 6370. The locator member body6372 includes a projecting portion 6374 with an end that is configuredto engage the detent 6132 of a positioner 6130. The projecting portion6374 is illustrated in its normal or rest position in FIG. 85. When thebase 6300 is inserted into the opening 6112 of holder body 6010, theprojecting portion 6374 is moved inwardly along the direction of arrow“AY1” until the projecting portion 6374 clears the ridge 6122. Theprojecting portion 6374 then returns along the direction of arrow “AY2”to its position shown in FIG. 88. In this arrangement, the ridge 6122 iscaptured in the space or groove 6378 formed by the projecting portion6374 and the adjacent walls of the base 6300.

Thus, when a user is rotating the support portion 6200 to one of theportrait or landscape orientations, the locator member 6370 on the base6300 can engage the appropriate positioner 6130 for the desiredorientation to provide a mechanical confirmation or engagement that theuser can feel to confirm that the support portion 6200 is appropriatelylocated. The engagement between the locator member 6370 and thepositioner 6130 can be overcome with a force sufficient to move theprojecting portion 6374 out of the detent 6132 and over the tip of thecorresponding tapered surface 6134 or 6136, depending on the directionof rotation. In one use of the holders according to the invention, whilein a first orientation, the support portion can be removed from the bodyof the holder, turned or rotated to a second orientation, and thensnapped back onto the holder body in the second orientation.

Referring to FIG. 87, a schematic block diagram of an alternativeembodiment of a holder according to the invention is illustrated. Inthis embodiment, the holder 6000 includes a holder body 6010 to which anelectronic device 6020 is coupled. Repositionable relative to the holderbody 6010 is a cover 6030 that is placeable in a first or coveringposition 6032 in which the cover 6030 is in front of the device 6020 andprovides protection thereto. In addition, the cover 6030 is placeable ina second or support position 6034 in which the cover 6030 is in back ofor behind the holder body 6010. In this position 6034, a support portion6040 coupled to the cover 6030 can be deployed or extended to engage asupport surface or be held by user to support the holder body 6010 andthe device 6020 as desired.

In one embodiment, the cover 6030 can be pivotally coupled to the body6010 and movable along the directions of arrows “AP” between positions6032 and 6034 by rotating the cover 6030 about its connection 6050 toholder body 6010. In another embodiment, the cover 6030 can be slidablycoupled to the body 6010. In various embodiments, the cover 6030 can bemoved around any one of the sides of the body 6010, the top of the body6010, or the bottom of the body 6010. In another embodiment, the cover6030 can be removably coupled to the body 6010 in the front and in theback by a conventional fastening technique or mechanism, including asnap arrangement, hook and loop materials, or a tongue and groovearrangement. Depending on the particular mechanism used, the cover 6030can be taken off of the front of the body 6010 and attached to the backof the body 6010. The cover 6030 can also be coupled using rivets to amovable member that is coupled to the body 6010.

Referring to FIGS. 88 and 89, a cover 7200 can be placed in a coveringposition 7240 (see FIG. 88) in which the cover 7200 is located in frontof an electronic device 6900 coupled to holder 7000. In this position7240, the cover 7200 provides protection to the electronic device 6900.The cover 7200 can also be placed in a supporting position 7242 (seeFIG. 89) in which the cover 7200 is located in back of the electronicdevice 6900 and holder 7000. In this position 7242, the cover 7200 doesnot obstruct the viewing or use of the front surface 6912 of theelectronic device 6900 and can be reconfigured to provide support to theholder 7000 and the device 6900.

In this embodiment, at least one hinge 7080 couples the cover 7200 tothe holder 7000. Connectors, such as pins, connect hinge 7080 to thecover 7200 and to the holder 7000. The connectors and hinge 7080 arealigned such that the connectors define axes 7100 and 7102 about whichthe cover 7200 and the hinge 7080 rotate.

Referring to FIGS. 88-89, the cover 7200 includes an inner surface 7202,an outer surface 7204, and opposite side ends. The hinge 7080 is coupledto one side of the cover 7200. While not shown in FIG. 88, the oppositeside of the cover 7200 may have a curved configuration which wrapsaround and engages a portion of the side of the housing 7000 to maintainthe cover 7200 in this covering position 7240. The cover 7200 can bepivoted along the direction of arrow “BA” about axis 7100. Either at thesame time or subsequent thereto, the hinge 7080 can be pivoted along thedirection of arrow “BA” about axis 7102.

Referring to FIG. 89, the hinge 7080 has been rotated about axis 7102and cover 7200 has been rotated about axis 7100. In this configuration,the cover 7200 is in its supporting position 7242. Notably, due to thehinge 7080, the inner surface 7202, which was facing inward toward theelectronic device 6900 when the cover 7200 is in its covering position7240, is now facing outward away from the holder 7000 and the electronicdevice 6900. As described in detail below, the cover 7200 includes asupport portion 7250 coupled thereto. The inverting of the cover 7200relative to the holder 7000 exposes the members 7400 and 7500 of thesupport portion 7250 only when it is desired. In other words, thesupport portion 7250 is exposed and useable when the cover is in itssupporting position 7242 and is not usable when the cover 7200 is in itscovering position 7240. In addition, the likelihood that the supportportion 7250 is inadvertently engaged or moved when it is not desired todo so, as in position 7240, is reduced.

Referring to FIGS. 89A and 89B, an alternative embodiment of a holderfor an electronic device is illustrated. In this embodiment, the holder14000 includes a cover 14100 with opposite sides 14102 and 14104 andedges 14106 and 14108. A support portion 14110 with a rotating base14112, a support arm 14114, and a coupling member 14116 is mounted toside 14102 of the cover 14100. On the other side 14104 a decorativepanel or material is located 14118 with a thumb hole 14119. The panel14118 can be interchanged with other panels that can mounted to cover14100 via one or more connections such as post and hole combinations.

Cover 14100 is movably coupled to plate 14120 which has sides 14122 and14124 and several mounts 14126 that are configured to retain anelectronic device. Edge 14128 is coupled to edge 14108 via hinges 14150and 14152, which can be a fabric material or a resilient material suchas rubber. Cover 14100 can be retained in a closed position over anelectronic device via latch 14160 by using end 14162 with engagementportion 14164.

Referring to FIGS. 89C-89G, an alternative embodiment of a holder for adevice according to the present invention is illustrated. Referring toFIG. 89C, a perspective view of the holder 16000 in a closedconfiguration is illustrated. The holder 16000 includes a cover 16010 towhich an interchangeable layer of material 16050 is removably coupled ormounted. The layer of material 16050 can be referred to alternatively asa membrane, a skin, a panel, or a sheath for the cover 16010. Thematerial 16050 can be any type of material, including a flexiblematerial, such as a fabric made of synthetic and/or natural materials,or a molded material that is flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid.

In this embodiment, the layer 16050 is easily removable from the cover16010, which allows a user to change the appearance or ornamentalaspects of the holder 16000. The exemplary illustrated material 16050has a plaid design, and when a user wishes to change the appearance ofthe holder 16000, the user can remove the material 16050 and couple amaterial with a different pattern to the cover 16010. In alternativeembodiments, the material 16050 may include multiple layers that areplaced proximate to each other and/or coupled to each other.

Referring to FIGS. 89D and 89E, the holder 16000 includes a plate 16080to which an electronic device, such as device 16090, can be coupled,consistent with the various embodiments of the invention describedherein. The plate 16080 is pivotally coupled to the cover 16010 via ahinge 16085, thereby allowing the cover 16010 to move between an openedposition (see FIGS. 89D and 89E) and a closed position (see FIG. 89C).The cover 16010 includes a soft, protective contact material 16015, suchas felt, coupled to the side of the cover 16010 that is proximate to andengages the touch screen of the electronic device 16090.

As shown in FIG. 89E, the cover 16010 includes a support 16070 that canbe deployed to position the electronic device 16090 in a desiredposition and orientation. As illustrated, the layer of material 16050 isremovable from the cover 16010. In this embodiment, a mounting component16060 is configured to mount the layer or membrane 16050 to the cover16010. The mounting component 16060 is sized to wrap around a portion ofthe cover 16010, such as the edge, and a portion of the perimeter 16052of the layer or panel 16050, as described in detail below. The panel16050 can include a cushioning material (not shown), such as foam,coupled to the side of the panel 16050 that is proximate to cover 16010to provide a cushioned feel and protection to the panel 16050.

In one implementation, the mounting component 16060 is co-molded withthe layer of material 16050. In another implementation, the mountingcomponent 16060 is formed separately from the layer of material 16050and is coupleable thereto. In this embodiment, the mounting component16060 is visible on the exterior side of the layer or membrane 16050.

In another implementation, the layer of material 16050 is attached orintegrally formed with another layer of material (now shown), thatenables the combination of layers to be slid, slipped or pulled ontocover 16010 like a pillow case so that there is material on both sidesof cover 16050.

Referring to FIGS. 89F and 89G, assembled and exploded cross-sectionalviews of the cover 16010 of the holder 16000 are illustrated. In thisembodiment, the cover 16010 includes a plate 16020 that is coupleable toa base plate 16030. In this embodiment, the felt or soft materialreferenced above is coupled to the side of the base plate 16030 thatfaces down. The plate 16020 includes a side 16022 with a projection16024 that extends therefrom in a circular configuration. Additionalprojections, ribs, or other structures can extend from plate 1620 andplate 16030 for structural stiffness reasons, and to enable the securecoupling of plates 16020 and 16030. The plate 16020 also includes anedge 16026 that defines a perimeter 16028.

The base plate 16030 of the cover 16010 has a side 16032 with a shoulder16034 extending therefrom. The shoulder 16034 includes an edge 16036that defines an opening 16038 into which a support may be inserted andmounted. The opening 16038 is circular, which facilitates the rotationof the inserted support to any desired position. The base plate 16030has an outer edge 16040 that defines a perimeter 16042 of the base plate16030. The combined panel 16020 and 16030 could also be a singleintegrally formed panel, with our without an attached support.

The mounting component 16060 is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 89F-89G,which shows the general u-shape or v-shape of the component 16060. Thecomponent 16060 includes flanges 16062 and 16064 that define a groove orreceptacle 16066 therebetween. In one implementation, the component16060 is formed of a resilient material, such as TPU or rubber, thatallows the component 16060 to be stretched, but to return to itsoriginal position. As shown, the edge of the layer 16050 is located inthe groove 16066. The component 16060 can be pulled to extend over orwrap around the edge 16028 of the plate 16020 and the edge 16040 of thebase plate 16030.

Referring to FIGS. 89H and 89I, an alternative embodiment of a holderaccording to the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment,no portion of the mounting component coupling the layer or membrane tothe holder is visible on the outside. In this embodiment the layer isco-molded or otherwise fused with the mounting component. Holder 16000Aincludes a cover 16010A to which the layer or membrane 16050A is coupledin a “snap-on” manner. As a result, no rubber is located along the outerperimeter 16052A of the membrane 16050A. This configuration results in amore visually pleasing appearance as the layer is fully visible.

Referring to FIG. 90, an alternative embodiment of a holder for anelectronic device is illustrated. In this embodiment, the holder 8000includes a body 8010 that has an outer surface 8014. Located around theouter surface 8014 of the body 8010 are several structures thatfacilitate the gripping and holding of the holder 8000 by a user. Forexample, the holder body 8010 includes a surface 8026 that defines arecessed area 8028 in which one or more fingers of a user can belocated. The surface 8026 is positioned so that a user holding theholder 8000 with his or her left hand can engage the recessed area 8028with one or more fingers to improve the gripping of the holder 8000 anddevice while viewing the device in a portrait orientation. In addition,surface 8030 defines a recessed area 8032 on the opposite side of theholder 8000 which can be engaged by the user's right hand in a portraitorientation. Also, when the user is holding the holder 8000 in alandscape orientation, the recessed area 8036 defined by surface 8034and/or the recessed area 8038 defined by surface 8037 is engaged by theuser, depending on which hand or hands are being used to grip the holder8000.

In this embodiment, the holder 8000 also includes a cord managementsystem 8050 that can be used to retain a cord coupled to an electronicdevice in a particular position. The cord management system 8050includes a pair of projecting portions 8060 and 8070 that are defined bymaking cuts or slots in the outer surface 8014 to form the portions 8060and 8070. Projecting portion 8060 includes a distal end 8062 with a slot8064 formed therein. The slot 8064 can be used to tie-off the cordwrapped around the projecting portions 8060 and 8070. The slot 8064 canbe placed anywhere on portion 8060. A slot forms a space or gap 8068beneath the projecting portion 8060. As the cord is wrapped around theprojecting portion 8060, the cord can be inserted into the gap 8068.Projecting portion 8070 is similarly constructed with a space or gap8078 into which a cord can be wrapped.

Referring to FIGS. 91-103, another embodiment of a holder according tothe present invention is illustrated. The holder 10000 has severalconfigurations, including a folded or closed configuration 10002, anopened configuration 10004, and a deployed configuration 10006. In thisembodiment, the holder 10000 includes a body 10010 to which anelectronic device 10200 that has a display screen 10220 can be coupledand a cover 10100 that is movably coupled to the body 10010 by hinges ormounting elements 10106 and 10108 (see FIG. 92). The hinges 10106 and10108 define axes 10114 and 10116 as shown in FIG. 92.

The cover 10100 can be moved between a closed position 10150 (see FIG.91) along the direction of arrow “BA” to an opened position 10152 (seeFIG. 92) and along the direction of arrow “BB” to a deployed position10154 (see FIG. 93).

Referring to FIG. 92, the cover 10100 has opposite ends 10102 and 10104.Along end 10102 are notches 10110 and 10112 (best illustrated in FIG.95) that are configured to receive tabs 10032 and 10034 of wall 10030 ofbody 10010. When the tabs 10032 and 10034 engage notches 10110 and10112, the cover 10100 is retained in its closed position 10150.Referring to FIGS. 92 and 93, the cover 10100 has a surface 10130 withnotches or openings 10132 and grooves 10134 and an opposite surface10140 with notches or openings 10142. In one embodiment, the grooves10134 will be filled with rubber. In different embodiments, the rubberwill be flush with the surface 10130 or extend outwardly slightly fromthe surface 10130.

As shown in FIG. 93, the body 10010 has opposite ends 10012 and 10014.In this embodiment, the body 10010 includes two portions 10070 and 10072that are pivotally coupled to each other as shown in FIGS. 94-96. Thebody portions 10070 and 10072 are coupled to each other by couplers10074, such as pins, that define an axis 10076. Thus, body portion 10070can pivot about axis 10076 along the direction of arrow “BC” and engagedwith the cover 10100.

Referring to FIG. 103, a bottom view of the holder 10000 is illustrated.As shown, housing portion 10070 includes projections or engagementmembers 10080 and 10082 that extend from the housing portion 10070. Inone embodiment, the engagement members 10080 and 10082 are integrallyformed with the housing portion 10070. The engagement members 10080 and10082 are sized and configured to engage corresponding ones of thenotches 10142 on surface 10140 of cover 10100 to retain housing portion10070 in a particular position relative to housing portion 10072. Asshown in FIGS. 94-96, the angle 10075 between housing portions 10070 and10072 can vary depending on the particular notches 10142 engaged bymembers 10080 and 10082. Thus, housing or body portion 10070 engages thecover 10100 in a first location when the cover 10100 is in its closedposition and engages the cover 10100 in a second location when the cover10100 is in its deployed position, the second location being differentthan the first location. This multiple engagement of housing portion10070 with covers 10100 facilitates the reconfiguration of the holder10000.

Referring to FIGS. 97 and 98, the holder 10000 is configured toaccommodate and support the electronic device 10200 in a portraitorientation 10210 (see FIG. 97) and in a landscape orientation 10212(see FIG. 98). The electronic device 10200 has an upper end 10202, alower end 10204, and opposite sides 10306 and 10208. The body 10010 ofthe holder 10000 includes coupling portions or members 10040 and 10050that receive and surround the corners of the electronic device 10200when the device 10200 is in its portrait configuration. As bestillustrated in FIG. 95, coupling member 10040 includes a wall 10042 thatdefines a notch 10044 that receives the side 10206 of the device 10200when the device 10200 is placed in its landscape orientation on theholder 10000. Coupling member 10050 has a similar notch formed therein.The ability to support the electronic device 10200 in portrait andlandscape orientations facilitates the viewing of the device 10200 atthe desired angle with requiring any adjustment of the support or stand.Accordingly, a user can manipulate the stand to a desired support angleand switch back and forth between portrait and landscape viewing of thedevice 10200, as desired, by sliding the electronic device 10200 intothe recesses in the coupling portions 10040 and 10050.

As shown in FIG. 103, the body 10010 also includes openings 10016 and10018 that are formed therein and that can be used as handles with theportions of the body 10010 that surround the openings 10016 and 10018that facilitate transportation of and handling of the device.

Referring to FIGS. 104 and 105, another embodiment of a holder accordingto the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the holder11000 can be disposed or placed in a closed configuration 11002 and in adeployed configuration 11004. Body portions 11020 and 11030 includecoupling members (only members 11022, 11024, and 11032 shown in FIG.105) that engage an electronic device 11200 to couple the device 11200to the holder 11000. The holder 11000 includes a body 11010 with twobody portions 11020 and 11030 that are movably coupled to each other byhinges or links 11050 and 11060. The links 11050 and 11060 allows for aclean rear surface of the body 11010 based on the hinges providingmultiple axes of rotation. Several couplers 11052, 11054, 11062, and11064, such as pins, couple the hinges 11050 and 11060 to the bodyportions 11020 and 11030.

As shown in FIG. 104, the holder 11000 includes a support 11100 that canbe used to retain the body portions 11020 and 11030 in a desiredorientation relative to each other. The body 11010 includes an opening11070 defined by a wall 11072 which includes a slot 11074 formedtherein. The slot 11074 includes ridges 11076 that define severalpositions in which a pin (not shown in FIG. 104) extending from the arm11110 into the slot 11074 can be placed. Thus, the position of the arm11110, which is pivotally coupled to body portion 11020 at end 11112 andslidably coupled to body portion 11030 at end 11114, determines theangle between the body portions 11020 and 11030 and the angle at whichthe electronic device 11200 is viewed.

Referring to FIGS. 106 and 107, another embodiment of a holder accordingto the invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the holder 12000includes a body 12010 that has an adjustable support 12040. The body12010 has sides 12012 and a rear surface 10124. As shown, the body 12010includes a rubber corner portion 12030 that is co-molded or glued ontothe overall plastic body 12010. The rubber corner portion 12030 hasdimples 12035 formed therein. The rubber corner portion 12030 providesadditional friction and a textured surface to facilitate gripping of theholder 12000 by hand and by a surface. In one embodiment, the rubber12030 is a rubber edge that runs all of the way around the back edge ofthe case. In one implementation, the rubber 12030 is approximately ⅛inch wide and extends around the whole perimeter. The plastic case inthat area is slightly thinner than the plastic forming the rear surfaceof the case. The rubber covers that thinner section of plastic. In oneembodiment, the plastic case in that area has little holes extendingfrom an inner surface to an outer surface through which the rubberextends when the rubber is co-molded to the plastic.

Referring to FIG. 108, another holder 12500 has the same general shapeand configuration as holder 12000, but the body 12510 and in particular,the side 12512, does not have any rubber corner portion 12030 formedthereon and/or therein.

Referring to FIGS. 109-112, another embodiment of a holder isillustrated. In this embodiment, the holder 15000 has a body portion15010 with opposite ends 15012 and 15014 and opposite side walls 15013and 15015. Proximate to the ends 15012 and 15014 are curved portions15016 and 15018 that are configured to be snapped over and around anedge of an electronic device 15050. The body 15010 also includes holes15024 through which audio output from the device 15050 can pass. Thebody 15010 has an outer surface 15020 and an inner surface 15022. Theouter surface 15020 has a tapered rim 15021 that extends slightlyoutward of the profile of the body 15010. The body 15010 also includes asupport portion 15030 that is mounted in the tapered rim 15032. Theouter surface of the support portion 15030 extends or is bumped out fromthe outer surface 15020 by a distance 15031 as shown in FIG. 111. Thisconfiguration allows for the body 15020 to be very thin while the rim15032 facilitates the mounting of the support portion 15030, which has athickness greater than the body 15020. The support portion 15030includes a base 15034 that is rotatably mounted in the circular openingdefined by rim 15032 and a coupling member 15036 with arm 15038. In thisembodiment, the width of the body 15010 between side walls 15013 and15015 is narrower than the width of the device 15050. This reduces theamount of material used in the holder 15000 while providing sufficientsupport for support portion 15030.

Referring to FIG. 113, in this embodiment, the holder 15100 includes abody 15110 that covers the full rear surface of the electronic device15050. As shown, holder 15100 includes a support portion that is bumpedout or extends beyond the outer surface of the body 15110.

Referring to FIGS. 114-117, an alternative embodiment of a holderaccording to the present invention is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 114,the holder 16100 includes a body portion 16110, an outer portion 16120,and a mounting portion 16130. In this embodiment, the body portion 16110is made of a flexible material, such as TPU, rubber, a fabric, or othersimilar material. The body portion 16110 is pliable and functions in anornamental manner and provides protection to the electronic device towhich holder 16100 is coupled. The outer portion 16120 is made of amaterial that permits the outer portion 16120 to be placed around theedge of an electronic device (not shown) to couple the holder 16100 tothe device. In one implementation, the material of the outer portion16120 is a molded TPU material.

The mounting portion 16130 is made of a molded material that is coupledto the body portion 16110 by co-molding, welding, an adhesive, or othercoupling technique. The mounting portion 16130 is made of a semi-rigidor rigid material that has sufficient rigidity for a support to berotatably coupled thereto. The support (not shown) is coupled to androtatable relative to the mounting portion 16130 in a manner similar tothose described herein for other embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 115, a perspective view of the side of the holder16100 to which an electronic device is coupleable is illustrated. Asshown, the body portion 16110 has an outer edge 16112 that defines aperimeter of the body portion 16110 to which the outer portion 16120 iscoupled. The outer portion 16120 extends around the perimeter of thebody portion 16110. In addition, the outer portion 16120 defines its ownouter perimeter 16122 with a lip 16124 that is configured to wrap aroundan end or edge of an electronic device.

The body portion 16110 also has an inner edge 16114 that defines anopening into which the mounting portion 16130 is inserted and coupled.Referring also to FIGS. 116 and 117, the mounting portion 16130 has anedge 16132 that defines an opening 16134 into which a support (notshown) is inserted. The mounting portion 16130 provides a resilientstructure relative to which the support can be rotated and positioned.

Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modificationsand variations of this invention. For example, it is to be understoodthat terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,”“side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,”“exterior,” “inner,” “outer,” and the like as may be used herein, merelydescribe points of reference and do not limit the present invention toany particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as“first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number ofportions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, andlikewise do not limit the present invention to any particularconfiguration or orientation.

While the invention has been described in detail and with references tospecific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in theart that various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended thatthe present invention covers the modifications and variations of thisinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An accessory for a portable device, comprising: aholder having a mounting portion, the mounting portion being configuredto be coupled to the portable device; a membrane; and a mountingcomponent configured to removably couple the membrane to the holder. 2.The accessory of claim 1, wherein the mounting component is coupled tothe membrane.
 3. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the mountingcomponent is separate from the membrane and the holder, and the mountingcomponent is configured to engage the membrane and the holder.
 4. Theaccessory of claim 1, wherein the membrane has an outer side and aninner side opposite to the outer side, and the mounting component coversa portion of the outer side of the membrane when the mounting componentcouples the membrane to the holder.
 5. The accessory of claim 1, whereinthe membrane has an outer side and an inner side opposite to the outerside, and the mounting component is located between the membrane and theholder when the mounting component couples the membrane to the holder.6. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the membrane has an outer side andan inner side opposite to the outer side, and the mounting componentengages only the inner side of the membrane when the mounting componentcouples the membrane to the holder.
 7. The accessory of claim 1, whereinthe holder has a perimeter and the membrane has a perimeter, and themounting component is configured to surround a portion of the perimeterof the holder and a portion of the perimeter of the membrane.
 8. Theaccessory of claim 1, wherein the mounting component engages a portionof the holder.
 9. The accessory of claim 1, further comprising: asupport movably coupled to the holder, the support being movable betweena retracted position and at least one extended position relative to theholder.
 10. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the holder includes afirst portion, a second portion movably coupled to the first portion,the first portion being configured to be coupled to the electronicdevice, and the membrane being coupled to the second portion.
 11. Theaccessory of claim 10, wherein the second portion is positionable in anopen position and in a closed position relative to the first portion,the second portion has a first side and a second side, the first side ispositioned proximate to the electronic device when the second portion isin its closed position, and the membrane is coupled to the second sideof the second portion.
 12. The accessory of claim 11, furthercomprising: a support movably coupled to the second portion of theholder, the support being movable between a retracted position and atleast one extended position relative to the holder, the supportextending from the first side of the holder when the support is in oneif its extended positions.
 13. The accessory of claim 1, wherein themembrane is a flexible material.
 14. The accessory of claim 1, whereinthe mounting component is a snap component located between the membraneand the holder.
 15. An accessory for a portable device, comprising: aholder being configured to be coupled to the portable device; amembrane; and a mounting component configured to engage the holder andthe membrane to removably couple the membrane to the holder.
 16. Theaccessory of claim 15, wherein each of the holder and the membraneincludes an edge defining a perimeter, and the mounting componentsubstantially surrounds each of the perimeters.